VIII

Next day Rarahu quitted the service of Ariitéa, who made no difficulties. Our hut under the coco-palms, which had remained empty during my absence, was opened to receive us once more. The garden was a denser wilderness than ever, over-grown with wild shrubs and guava-trees; the pink periwinkle had spread and was blooming even in the bedroom. It was with subdued joy that we took possession of our old home. Rarahu brought back her faithful cat, who had remained her devoted friend and now made itself at home again.