But , when the spring came , came the dream-child , and the fear that was to be my companion , at bed and board , from sunsetting to sunsetting . One night I awakened from sleep , realizing in the moment of awakening that I was alone . I listened to hear whether my wife were moving about the house . I heard nothing but the little splash of waves on the shore below and the low moan of the distant ocean . I rose and searched the house . She was not in it . I did not know where to seek her ; but , at a venture , I started along the shore . It was pale , fainting moonlight . The harbor looked like a phantom harbor , and the night was as still and cold and calm as the face of a dead man . At last I saw my wife coming to me along the shore . When I saw her , I knew what I had feared and how great my fear had been . As she drew near , I saw that she had been crying ; her face was stained with tears , and her dark hair hung loose over her shoulders in little , glossy ringlets like a child 's . She seemed to be very tired , and at intervals she wrung her small hands together . She showed no surprise when she met me , but only held out her hands to me as if glad to see me . `` I followed him -- but I could not overtake him , '' she said with a sob . `` I did my best -- I hurried so ; but he was always a little way ahead . And then I lost him -- and so I came back . But I did my best -- indeed I did . And oh , I am so tired ! '' `` Josie , dearest , what do you mean , and where have you been ? ''
I said , drawing her close XXXXX me .
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