Ностромо

           ThelightoftheGreatIsabelburnedunfailingabovethelosttreasureoftheSanTomemine.Intothebluishsheenofanightwithoutstarsthelanternsentoutayellowbeamtowardsthefarhorizon.Likeablackspeckupontheshiningpanes,Linda,crouchingintheoutergallery,restedherheadontherail.Themoon,droopinginthewesternboard,lookedatherradiantly.

           Below,atthefootofthecliff,theregularsplashofoarsfromapassingboatceased,andDr.Monyghamstoodupinthesternsheets.

           “Linda!”heshouted,throwingbackhishead.“Linda!”

           Lindastoodup.Shehadrecognizedthevoice.

           “Ishedead?”shecried,bendingover.

           “Yes,mypoorgirl.Iamcominground,”thedoctoransweredfrombelow.“Pulltothebeach,”hesaidtotherowers.

           Linda’sblackfiguredetacheditselfuprightonthelightofthelanternwithherarmsraisedaboveherheadasthoughsheweregoingtothrowherselfover.

           “ItisIwholovedyou,”shewhispered,withafaceassetandwhiteasmarbleinthemoonlight.“I!OnlyI!Shewillforgetthee,killedmiserablyforherprettyface.Icannotunderstand.Icannotunderstand.ButIshallneverforgetthee.Never!”

           Shestoodsilentandstill,collectingherstrengthtothrowallherfidelity,herpain,bewilderment,anddespairintoonegreatcry.

           “Never!Gian’Battista!”

           Dr