Gulf Coast breeze. [volume] (Crawfordville, Fla.) 1897-19??, 1897-11-05

Y
afforded opportunity for tho study OF
the modern Greek-one of the chief
objects of their tour-they decided to
spend some time in the place. They
did not see Helene again for several
days. But Lyle did not scruple to
find out what he could about her from
the peasants.
He learned that she was the grand
daughter of the rich old landlord with
whom they lodged. Her parents were
dead, aud her education had been in.
trusted to an old tutor, famous for his
learning, who had died the year be-
fore. And soon, they said, she was to
marry Stephano, the young soldier,
the son Of wealthy neighbor.
One afternoon the two students
were resting in the shadow OF
the massive walls, which form
the entrance to those celebrated ruins
called the "Tomb of Agamemnon."
They were discussing q fragment Of
pottery which they had just discov-
cred, when Lyle, looking up, saw Hell
lene coming slowly toward them, pick
ing here and there the late flowers and
grasses, evidently quite unconscious
of their presence. The ground over
which she was advancing was strewn
with blocks Of breccia from the ancient
walls, which made her progress often
difficult, and the two friends watched
with admiration the ease and grace of
her movements. which brought out
the fine lines of her agile figure.
At length she raised her head and
saw the two men with surprise and
embarrassment, for she seemed on the
point of flight.
Lyle stepped forward, hat in hand.
pardon u.s." he said, "for startling
you. We should have made our pres
ence known sooner. But we have
found n curious piece of pottery here,
and were trying to determine its orr
gin. Will you look at it?" and he held
out the fragment in his hand.
Her first fright had vanished, but
the girl stood regarding them with a
look of indecision, which threatened
to end the interview on the slightest
occasion. But gradually q more con-
fident expression took its place, and
she asked: "Do you know Homer?"
"No," replied Lyle, 81 can't say we
know him very well, but we read him
and have learned to love him. You
Greeks have q great advantage over
the rest of the world in reading Homer
in your own tongue"
Indeed we do" replied the young
girl, her embarrassment rapidly dis
appearing, "but few of our country
men appreciate it. Yet some do, for
oil Greeks are not like those that 60 to
America to get rich. There are still
many who love the glorious language
and traditions of our people. Oh,
yes" she continued, daintily taking
the fragment from Lyle's outstretched
hand, there are many such specimens
here; have collection of them my
self"
A beginning thus made, they passed
easily to other topics Of common
interest. The students found that this
young girl was thoroughly trained in
the literature Of her country, as well
as its history, and loved both fer
vently.
An hour passed in eager converse.
At the earnest request of the two
students, HELENE finally consented to
recite for them some of her favorite
passages from the Had. She seated
herself on rock which had fallen
from the gigantic ruin behind her, and
with the westering sun shining full on
her beautiful face, glowing with the
immortal words she spoke, she formed
picture against the background
of those massive walls which
would have won the admiration of a
far less appreciative audience than tho
two listeners. When she had finished,
the three walked back TO the village
together.
For few days thereafter the Amer
leans saw much of HELENE. They ex-
amined the fine collection Of antiques
which she herself had made. and
found her OF invaluable assistance in
several lines OF study in which they
we're engaged.
| But no woman could long fail to see
in Lyle's every glance and tone, that
wondrous something which women
long and fear to look upon. A shy
neSs and diflidence quite contrary to
her former frank and easy manner,
gradually interposed barrier to their
intercourse, till at last the students