He was alone. A girl stood before him, gazing out to sea. She seemed like a strange and beautiful bird. She was alone and still, gazing out to sea; she felt his presence and his eyes, worshipping her; her eyes turned to him. Long, long, she gazed at him and then quietly turned towards the sea, gently stirring the water with her foot. The noise broke the silence. A faint flame trembled on her cheek. He turned away from her suddenly and set off across the sand. His cheeks were aflame.