No doubt all was done that was
possible, hut I knew from the first what it meant and how it
would be. She lay in a white stillness, and the room was quiet as
death. I remembered with unspeakable gratitude later that the
nurse had been merciful and had not sent me away.
So Vanna lay all day and through the night, and when the dawn
came again she stirred and motioned with her hand, although her
eyes were closed. I understood, and kneeling, I put my hand
under her head, and rested it against my shoulder. Her faint
voice murmured at my ear.
"I dreamed - I was in the pine wood at Pahlgam and it was the
Night of No Moon, and I was afraid for it was dark, but suddenly
all the trees were covered with little lights like stars, and the
greater light was beyond. Nothing to be afraid of."
"Nothing, Beloved."
"And I looked beyond Peshawar, further than eyes could see, and
in the ruins of the monastery where we stood, you and I - I saw
him, and he lay with his head at the feet of the Blessed One.
That is well, is it not?"
"Well, Beloved."
"And it is well I go? Is it not?"
"It is well.
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