Every step was bringing him nearer to Stephen and Nora and the Twin Sailors . He whistled as he walked sturdily along . The dawn was just breaking when he reached Noel 's Cove . The eastern sky was all pale rose and silver , and the sea was mottled over with dear grey ripples . In the west over the harbour the sky was a very fine ethereal blue and the wind blew from there , salt and bracing . Paul was tired , but he ran lightly down the shelving rocks to the cove . Stephen was getting ready to launch his boat . When he saw Paul he started and a strange , vivid , exultant expression flashed across his face . Paul felt a sudden chill -- the upspringing fountain of his gladness was checked in mid-leap . He had known no doubt on the way home -- all that long , weary walk he had known no doubt -- but now ? `` Stephen , '' he cried . `` I 've come back ! I had to ! Stephen , are you glad -- are you glad ? '' Stephen 's face was as emotionless as ever . The burst of feeling which had frightened Paul by its unaccustomedness had passed like a fleeting outbreak of sunshine between dull clouds . `` I reckon I am , '' he said . `` Yes , I reckon I am . I kind of -- hoped -- you would come back . You 'd better go in and get some breakfast . ''
Paul 's eyes were XXXXX radiant as the deepening dawn .
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