The wind sang softly in the cedars , and the water sang among the eaves : the sea-birds sang as they streamed out into the ocean , and the land-birds as they built among the boughs ; and the air was so full of song that it stirred St. Brandan and his hermits , as they slumbered in the shade ; and they moved their good old lips , and sang their morning hymn amid their dreams . But among all the songs one came across the water more sweet and clear than all ; for it was the song of a young girl 's voice . And what was the song which she sang ? Ah , my little man , I am too old to sing that song , and you too young to understand it . But have patience , and keep your eye single , and your hands clean , and you will learn some day to sing it yourself , without needing any man to teach you . And as Tom neared the island , there sat upon a rock the most graceful creature that ever was seen , looking down , with her chin upon her hand , and paddling with her feet in the water . And when they came to her she looked up , and behold it was Ellie . `` Oh , Miss Ellie , '' said he , `` how you are grown ! '' `` Oh , Tom , '' said she , `` how you are grown too ! '' And no wonder ; they were both quite grown up -- he into a tall man , and she into a beautiful woman . `` Perhaps I may be grown , '' she said . `` I have had time enough ; for I have been sitting here waiting for you many a hundred years , till I thought you were never coming . '' `` Many a hundred years ? '' thought Tom ; but he had seen so much in his travels that he had quite given up being astonished ; and , indeed , he could think of nothing but Ellie . So he stood and looked at Ellie , and Ellie looked at him ; and they liked the employment so much that they stood and looked for seven years more , and neither spoke nor stirred . At last they heard the fairy say : `` Attention , children . Are you never going to look at me again ? '' `` We have been looking at you all this while , '' they said . And so they thought they had been . `` Then look at me once more , '' said she .
They looked -- and both XXXXX them cried out at once , `` Oh , who are you , after all ? ''
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