Meeting at Night

The man and the woman are passionately in love; they cannot wait to see each other. The fact that they are meeting in secret, at night, suggests that their relationship may be forbidden or illicit for some unstated reason. Little is said to convey any details of who they are—they are nameless, for example—or where they belong in society. There is only one thing that defines them: their love for each other and their anticipation of their meeting, which gives every appearance of having been well planned. The man is determined and purposeful as he guides his boat into the cove, where it nestles in the sandy beach. There is no one around to observe him. He knows the way to the farmhouse, but the light from the moon no doubt makes it easier for him. The night is calm, but one can imagine his rising excitement as he nears the farmhouse for this romantic, potentially erotic encounter. Their passion is entirely shared, and they are confident of each other’s love. The woman knows he is on his way, and she knows full well who is tapping at the window. This is no unknown nighttime intruder to be feared. The lighted match is a sign—a prearranged signal, perhaps—that she is there and waiting for him.