The pair of lovers were now on their feet and Ahleka answered, “We shall soon be ready. Come Mabel.” Etta, full of mischief and realizing the situation, having seen Ahleka’s arm clasped around Mabel, called after them: “Mabel, don’t let him play the part of prince charming.” Mabel blushed, for she remembered how angry that same remark had made her two years and a half ago. She made no answer, but cast a merry look back at the two girls who were following them to the village. The usual merriment of the festival was indeed beginning as they reached the village, but it did not take either Ahleka or Mabel long to array themselves with fresh adornment for the feast, and take their place amongst the rest of the young men and maidens. Mabel had learned to dance the nui-nui, or maidens dance, as well as any of the young girls. Ahleka thought her doubly entrancing as her delicate proportions were so gracefully displayed by the movements of the dance. They soon left the ranks, returning to Ahleka’s father, and the rest who sat upon the mats. Captain Thornton took Mabel in his arms and said: “May heaven bless you my child. I know you will be happy with Ahleka, for he is lovable, gentle and kind.” Captain Gray looked at her, with a peculiar expression, and said to Etta: “I would never allow you to marry one of these black Apollo’s, so don’t you fall in love with one of them.” Captain Thornton overhearing this remark, spoke up, “You make a mistake, my friend; if she loves one of our young men it is far better that she marry him, for she will not be happy otherwise, and you surely do not wish to see her unhappy.” “No, I don’t want to see her unhappy,” Captain Gray answered, “but all the same, she shan’t marry on this island with my consent.” Etta heard these words with a sinking heart, as there was a young man of the village of Howcu, the son of the young doctor, who had landed on the island with Captain Thornton’s party, with whom she already had had many a pleasant meeting in the lovely, shady groves that were so plentiful on the way between the two villages. CHAPTER XV. The days passed to the young lovers as a dream. All day long they would wander under the cool shade of the fragrant trees, listening to the songs of sweet-voiced birds, gathering flowers and weaving them into wreaths with which to adorn each other, or disporting themselves in the warm sea; Mabel had become a very expert swimmer. Gay groups of happy young people were constantly to be seen enjoying the delights of surf riding and swimming; our friends were often of the number.