It was not until near the end of the passage that we ran out of the storm.A morning came when I went on deck to survey spaces of a blue and white sea swept by the white March sunlight;to discern at length against the horizon toward which we sped a cloud of the filmiest and most delicate texture and design.Suddenly I divined that the cloud was France!Little by little,as I watched,it took on substance.I made out headlands and cliffs,and then we were coasting beside them.That night I should be in Paris with Maude.My bag was packed,my steamer trunk closed.I strayed about the decks,in and out of the saloons,wondering at the indifference of other passengers who sat reading in steamer-chairs or wrote last letters to be posted at Havre.I was filled with impatience,anticipation,yes,with anxiety concerning the adventure that was now so imminent;with wavering doubts.Had I done the wisest thing after all?I had the familiar experience that often comes just before reunion after absence of recalling intimate and forgotten impressions of those whom I was about to see again the tones of their voices,little gestures....
How would they receive me?
The great ship had slowed down and was entering the harbour,carefully threading her way amongst smaller craft,the passengers lining the rails and gazing at the animated scene,at the quaint and cheerful French city bathed in sunlight....I had reached the dock and was making my way through the hurrying and shifting groups toward the steamer train when Isaw Maude.She was standing a little aside,scanning the faces that passed her.
I remember how she looked at me,expectantly,yet timidly,almost fearfully.I kissed her.
"You've come to meet me!"I exclaimed stupidly."How are the children?""They're very well,Hugh.They wanted to come,too,but I thought it better not."Her restraint struck me as extraordinary;and while I was thankful for the relief it brought to a situation which might have been awkward,I was conscious of resenting it a little.I was impressed and puzzled.As Iwalked along the platform beside her she seemed almost a stranger:I had difficulty in realizing that she was my wife,the mother of my children.