CHAPTER TWENTY THREE.
A HURRICANE.
As soon as the anchor was dropped and the sails furled, I conveyed mypassengers on shore, that I might see them comfortably lodged as soon aspossible. I had offered to supply them with funds, but Monsieur deVillereine, thanking me cordially, assured me that he was well known toseveral merchants in Bridgetown, and that he should have no difficultyin obtaining money.
"I should be very thankful, however, if you could convey us to SaintLucia, as we should prefer sailing in your ship to any other," heobserved; "and as I am well known to your consignees, I may, perhaps,arrange the matter with them." I of course replied that I should betruly glad if this could be done, though I could not venture on my ownresponsibility to go there.
"Oh, but my uncle will easily manage it," observed Emilie, "so we willconsider it settled. I should not like to trust my dear brother onboard any other ship."
Sophie seemed inclined to speak, but hesitated: though the glance shegave me, I fancied, showed that she hoped I would not decline.
"Oh, you must come, Laurel," said Henri. "My father will, I am sure, beglad to pay any expenses of extra insurance and that sort of thing, sothat the interest of your owners will not suffer."
Having seen my friends lodged at a comfortable hotel, I had to return onboard to attend to my duties connected with the ship.
I lost no time in discharging my cargo, and was not sorry to find thatthere would be some delay before the sugar and other produce I was toreceive in return would be ready.
I of course visited my friends every day, to see how poor Henri wasgetting on, and spent as much time with him as I could. They insistedas regularly on my remaining to dine and spend the evening. Every daythat I saw the young ladies, I liked them better, and confessed tomyself that I had begun to feel more than an ordinary interest forSophie. Her eyes brightened when I entered, and her manner towards mewas so gentle and so confiding, that I could not help fancying that thefeelings I had for her were returned. Then I began to ask myself thequestion, Have I, with the precarious profession I have to depend on,without a name or family, with only one friend able to assist me, anyright to attempt to win the affections of a young girl accustomed to allthe luxuries of a rich planter's establishment? or is it indeed likelythat her father would allow her to marry a person situated as I am?These and similar thoughts occupied my mind; and I determined, the nexttime I went to the house, to be very cautious in my manner, and, onlypaying such attentions to her and her cousin as common courtesydemanded, to devote myself rather to her uncle and aunt, or to Henri,who had now sufficiently recovered to be able to join the party in thedrawing-room.
The next day, however, when I went to call on the merchants to whom the_Ellen_ was consigned, they inquired whether I should have any objectionto carry Monsieur de Villereine and his family to Saint Lucia.
"He has made the necessary arrangements with us, so that, if the ship isready, you can sail the day after to-morrow."
I tried to look unconcerned, and replied that I should be very glad todo anything to accommodate them.
"We will consider the matter settled then," was the answer; "you can getready for sea."
I own that I had had my cabins burnished up, and had procured a newdinner and tea service, while I directed the mates to get the ship in astrim order as possible. As soon as the cargo was discharged, thepainters had been busy in all directions about her; while Dick, whosuspected the truth, got the decks holy-stoned and scrubbed till theylooked almost as white as snow.
All things were ready by the day I had been directed to sail, and earlyin the forenoon I went on shore to escort my passengers on board. Theytoo were in very different guise to that when they came on board aftertheir shipwreck. Sophie looked more sweet and lovely than ever, in thelight costume which the heat of the climate required, while Emilie wascheerful and full of conversation, doing her utmost to keep up herbrother's spirits. I was sorry to see less improvement in him than Ihad hoped. He looked pale and ill, though he declared that he hadrecovered from the injuries he had received when dashed against therocks.
The weather was fine, and I did not expect to be long in running acrossto Saint Lucia, which is one of the nearest islands in the Caribbean Seato Barbadoes. The wind, however, headed us soon after we got clear ofthe land, and a few hours afterwards it fell a dead calm, and we layimmovable on the glass-like sea. I cannot say that for my own sake Ispecially regretted this, though, knowing the wishes of my friends, Ifelt anxious to make the shortest possible passage.
I had an awning rigged, so that the ladies could spend the day on deck,where they sat busy with their needles; for, unlike the Creolesgenerally, they were evidently good housewives.
"As you may suppose, Captain Laurel, having lost all our things, we haveplenty of work before us to make fresh ones," observed Emilie, laughing."Though as we intended to get rigged out, as you would call it, inParis, fortunately our loss was not so severe as it would have been onour homeward voyage. Ah, but I am wrong to talk so lightly, when Ispeak of that terrible event. Still, you understand, that we fancy wecan make our own things better than anybody else can make them for us,and therefore you must not expect to find us sitting, like other youngladies, with our hands before us."
Sophie, however, was not so diligent as her cousin, and did not objectto come to the side of the ship, and watch the strange creatures of thedeep as they swam or floated by. When night came on, and the starsshone forth from the clear sky, each reflected in the deep as in amirror, she stood with me while I told her their names. I was scarcelyaware how time had passed by, when I heard Monsieur de Villereine'svoice summoning his niece, and telling her that it was time for her toretire to her cabin.
I was never addicted to whistling for a wind, and certainly should nothave done so on that occasion. A breeze, however, came at last, and the_Ellen_ gliding swiftly over the calm sea, we came in sight of that mostbeautiful and picturesque island of Saint Lucia.
Two lofty heights of a sugar-loaf form, shooting up from the sea, andfeathered from base to summit with the richest foliage, were the firstobjects which attracted our attention. Beyond these rose a range ofmountains, running north and south through the island, and broken intothe most fantastic shapes. As we sailed along the shore, having themountains still as the background, here and there appeared the mostlovely little caves and bays, fringed with luxuriant cane-fields, andenlivened by the neatly laid-out mansions of the planters; whilenumerous fishing and passage boats, with their long light masts andlateen sails, were gliding over the calm waters.
"I used to tell you, Laurel, that our island was one of the mostbeautiful in the world--don't you think so?" said Henri, as, whilestanding near his sister and cousin, I was watching the shore, and everynow and then addressing them.
"Indeed it is. I am not surprised that you are so fond of it, and,could I leave the sea, I should be content to spend my days there," Ianswered, speaking as I felt.
"Oh, do," exclaimed Henri. "Come and turn planter; we can give youplenty of occupation, and my health as been so bad lately, that I shouldbe glad if you could take my place."
"I am afraid that, having lived so little on shore, I should make but apoor farmer," I answered, laughing.
Sophie looked up at me, and remarked: "The difficulties to be overcomeare not very great, I suspect, and I am sure you would soon learn allthat is necessary."
"The proposal is indeed a tempting one," I answered; "and yet I love thesea, and should be sorry to abandon it."
"Oh, you can take an occasional trip to England," observed Henri. "Havea ship of your own, and just make a voyage when you get tired of theshore."
Our conversation was interrupted by a shift of wind, which compelled meto issue orders for trimming sails.
The steward then announced luncheon, and I remained some time on deckafter my passengers had gone below.
I had observed Dick, who did not often trouble himself about scenery,watching the c
oast with more than usual interest.
"Do you know, captain," he said, coming up to me, "I have a notion thatI have seen this island before. The look of the coast is very like thatwe sailed along when I was aboard the _Laurel_, before I picked you up.I shall be able to tell better when we come off the harbour, for then Ithink I should be sure to know the place again. It will be strange ifit should turn out that I am right in my idea, and if so, I would adviseyou to make inquiries, and learn if any of the families on shore aboutthat time lost a little boy in the way you were lost. Maybe, as thenewspapers say, you will hear of something to your advantage; and if youdon't, why you won't be worse off than you are now, and you may be verysure that as long as Dick Driver lives, you have got a friend who willstick to you, blow high or blow low."
"I am sure you will, Dick," I answered. "Though perhaps, as many yearshave passed by since you were last on these seas, you may be mistaken asto the island."
Yet, although I said this, I could not help allowing strange hopes andfears to agitate my bosom. I might discover my parents, or they mightbe dead, and their successors might be unwilling to acknowledge astranger coming among them. I could scarcely calm myself sufficientlyto go into the cabin. I determined, however, to say nothing aboutDick's remarks, but to try and overcome all the hopes which I foundrising within me. I apologised for being late to luncheon, on the pleaof being detained on deck by duty, and did my best to perform thehonours of the table and try to converse in my usual manner. The ladieswere eager to know when I thought we should get in.
"The wind is so light that I do not expect to enter the harbour tillto-morrow morning," I replied. "I cannot pretend to regret this, as Iknow my stay will be very short, and it will defer the time when I mustbid you farewell."
Sophie looked up at me, and a shade of sadness passed over her sweetcountenance. I could not be mistaken. I interpreted her feelings by myown, and just then I would have given a great deal to have had a properexcuse for remaining at Saint Lucia.
Night came on, and the _Ellen_ floated calmly on the moonlit sea.Emilie had insisted on Henri going below, afraid of his being exposed tothe night-air: indeed, the trying cough from which he suffered showedhow necessary it was that all care should be taken of him.
Sophie still lingered on deck. I invited her to come to the side andwatch the moonbeams playing on the waters.
"I know what sailors have to go through," she observed, "but yet I fancythe enjoyments of a night like this must almost recompense them for thetempest and rough seas they have to endure."
"We get so well accustomed to both one and the other. Thoughacknowledging the beauty of the ocean under all its various phases,whether sleeping as now under the beams of the pale moon, or glowing inthe rays of the ruddy sun, we value them less, I fear, than those whoonly occasionally venture on the world of waters," I remarked.
"Oh, but I am sure I could never look with indifference on such a sceneas this," said Sophie, "and should be content to make voyage aftervoyage to witness it."
However, I do not feel disposed to say what else we talked about. I wasyoung, and said what I certainly did not intend to say. I told Sophiethat I loved her, and would never marry any one else. She did notwithdraw her hand, and, whispering that I had made her very happy,promised that she would be faithful to me, and that she did not supposeher father and mother would object to me, especially as I was the friendof her cousin.
The time flew by faster than I supposed, as we thus stood talking; Dick,who had charge of the deck, keeping at a judicious distance.
Suddenly the light on the water disappeared, a cloud had obscured themoon; again the light shone forth, and again was shut out; still no windfilled our sails. I knew, however, that it might come ere long. Sophiestill lingered by my side. Hitherto the ocean had slept in silence.Suddenly a rushing murmuring sound fell on my ear.
"Hands aloft, and shorten sail!" I shouted. There was not a moment tobe lost.
"Go below, I entreat you," I said, leading Sophie to thecompanion-hatch.
"Oh, what is going to happen?" she asked, in an anxious tone.
"A hurricane is, I fear, upon us," I answered, "and you will be saferbelow."
She no longer hesitated, and her father, aroused by my voice, happilycame to assist her down.
"Turn the hands up!" I shouted to Dick, who hurried forward to rouse upthe watch below.
In less than a minute the other mates and the rest of the crew were ondeck. Courses were hauled up, topgallant sheets were let fly, topsailslowered. The crew had sprung aloft. The fore-topsail was hauled, butbefore the men were off the yards, the hurricane was down upon us. Overthe ship heeled. In an instant the topgallantsails were blown toribbons.
"Down, for your lives, down!" I shouted. No human power could havehandled the canvas now, with wild roars lashing furiously in the wind.The main and mizen-topsails were blown out of the bolt-ropes, and soonwith innumerable coils encircled the yards. The ship, relieved of thepressure of the sails, righted. Happily the wind was off the land, orin a few minutes she would have been driven on shore. Still there wasthe danger of it shifting; I therefore put the helm up, and ran offbefore the wind. Every instant the sea rose, and as she got farther andfarther from the land, she began to pitch and tumble wildly about. Dickand several hands, going aloft with axes, at length cleared thetopgallant yards, and we got them down on deck, and struck the gallantmasts. Getting the main-topsail set, a lull occurring, I was able toheave her to.
Not till then could I venture to leave the deck. On entering the cabin,I found my passengers clinging to the sofas. By the light which swungto and fro in the centre, I saw that they all looked pale and alarmed,expecting again to have to encounter the fearful dangers from which theyhad lately escaped. I did my best to reassure them, by expressing myhopes that the hurricane would soon cease, and that, God protecting us,we might be able to enter port.
"Oh, then I have no fear," exclaimed Sophie; and raising her head, shedid her best to impart the same confidence she felt to her companions.
Not knowing, however, what might occur, I was compelled again to returnquickly to the deck. The gale howled and whistled through the rigging,the waves roared, and the sea, as it rose in wild billows around, everynow and then broke on board, threatening to sweep our decks clear of allupon them. The lightning, darting from the clouds in vivid flashes,played around our masts. At any instant the electric fluid might, Iknew full well, come hissing down on deck, and set the ship on fire.Should also the wind shift, we should lose more of our sails, and mightbe driven before daylight helplessly on shore.
It was a very anxious time; for I felt that I had not only the ship tolook after, but her whom I loved more than my life, and those dear toher, under my charge.
Still the confidence in God's protecting care which has cheered methrough life supported me on that trying occasion. I knew too that itwas enjoyed by my friends; for, from the conversations I had had withthem, I had discovered that they possessed the same faith as I did, andthough, from living among those who differed from them, they did notspeak in public on religious subjects, they made the precepts of theBible the rule of their lives.
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR.
A HAPPY DISCOVERY.
Morning broke at length. How different was the appearance of the oceanto that it had presented the previous day! The dark-green foam-toppedwaves danced up wildly, the sky was of a murky hue, the wind roared andwhistled as loudly as before, and the ship, instead of gliding on withcalm dignity, tumbled and tossed as if she was a mere cock-boat.
Sophie begged to come on deck. I assisted her up. Scarcely had sheappeared, when there came a break in the clouds to the eastward, and thesun shone forth. "A good omen!" she exclaimed.
"We may take it as such," I answered; "and I trust that before long thehurricane will cease, and He who holds the waters in His hands will saveus from further danger."
The wind ceased almost as suddenly as it had arisen, the
sea went down,and in a few hours we were able to clear the yards and bend fresh sails.Once more the ship was standing for the land.
My first mate had frequently been at Saint Lucia, and he acting aspilot, soon after daylight the next morning we entered the harbour.
The ship of necessity must I found be detained some days, as themain-topmast was badly sprung, while she had received other damages inthe gale. As these could be repaired under the superintendence of myfirst mate, I escorted my passengers on shore.
Monsieur de Villereine had begged me to come to his house, which wassituated about a mile from the town, but I felt compelled to acceptHenri's invitation to accompany him and his sister to his father'shouse, a short distance farther off on the side of the mountain; andmore so, as from his weak state, he required my assistance in getting inand out of the carriage. Poor fellow! my heart grieved for him, as itseemed to me, though he had no apprehension of danger, that he was onlyreturning home to die.
I had asked Sophie whether she had mentioned our engagement to herfather and mother.
"I will do so immediately we get home," she answered; "it would bebetter than saying anything at present."
Monsieur de Villereine's house stood on elevated ground, with extensivesugar plantations below it. It was of a considerable size, surroundedby a broad verandah. The handsome appearance of the interior, and thenumerous domestic slaves, gave me an idea of the wealth of the owners.I could not help asking myself, "Will Sophie be content to exchange allthis luxury for the limited income and small house which I should alonehave the power of offering her?" I had but one moment to speak to heralone. She seemed to divine my thoughts.
"I do not value all these things," she said, pressing my hand; "and Itrust that my brothers will live to occupy this house."
She had already told me of her two brothers, who were away on the otherside of the island.
After resting some time, we continued our journey to the house ofHenri's father and mother. A messenger had been sent on to warn them ofour coming.
I was much pleased with the elder Monsieur de Villereine and his wife.They received me in the most kind and cordial way, but I saw how deeplythey were grieved at the altered appearance of poor Henri, and that theywere evidently far more alarmed than Emilie had been, who had constantlywatched him. Their house was even handsomer than that of Sophie'sfather, though built in the same style. It commanded a beautiful viewof the town and harbour and the blue sea beyond it, while on every sidebelow stretched out the numerous sugar plantations; while here and therewere seen the whitewashed houses of the inhabitants, with theirgaily-painted verandahs and window blinds.
Though her manner was gentle and kind in the extreme, Madame deVillereine's countenance wore an expression of sadness which seemedhabitual to it. I concluded, however, that this arose very much fromher anxiety about the health of her only son. Emilie tried to cheer upher parents by assuring them that Henri was better than he had been, andshe hoped that before long they should be able to carry out theirproject of visiting England.
"Though not our native air, it is yours, you know, mamma, and I am sureit will effectually restore his health."
Madame de Villereine shook her head.
"I had thought so," she observed; "but I see a great change in him forthe worse, and I fear he is sinking under the same complaint whichcarried off my dear sister."
In the course of conversation she happened to mention that the sister ofwhom she spoke was a Mrs Raglan. I was struck by the name, andinquired who she had married.
"An officer in the navy," she answered; "but he was ordered to the EastIndies, and soon afterwards she died, leaving a little girl. Wereceived notice of her death, but the island being at the time in thepossession of France, and war raging, we were never able to ascertainwhat became of the child."
Emilie I saw seemed anxious when her mother began to speak on thissubject, and endeavoured, without appearing to do so, to change theconversation. Soon afterwards her mother seemed much affected, and leftthe room.
"I must ask you," said Emilie, "not again to allude to the subject, asit recalls many painful associations."
"I will do as you wish," I answered, "but I feel sure that I am wellacquainted with the niece she spoke of;" and I then told her all I knewof Kitty Raglan, my meeting with her father, and her marriage with myold friend Captain Falconer.
She expressed her pleasure at what I had told her, adding, "It will, Iam sure, give great joy to mother, for she has always grieved at havinglost all traces of my cousin, though she has still greater grief of herown."
Just then Madame de Villereine returned, and Emilie cautiously preparedher for the interesting information I had to give.
"This is indeed joyful news," she exclaimed, when I had told her of herniece's happy marriage with Captain Falconer; when suddenly she stoppedand sighed, and the sad expression which her countenance usually worestole over it.
"Monsieur de Villereine will to-day drive you over to see his brotherand his wife and daughter, and you must give them the account you havegiven me. They will be greatly interested; and oh, how I wish we couldpersuade Captain Falconer to come over and pay us a visit!"
A carriage shortly afterwards came to the door, and I accompanied my newfriend--Emilie wishing to remain with Henri. Monsieur de Villereine,who had observed our approach, received as at the door. He welcomed mewith marked politeness, but it struck me that his manner was much morestiff and formal than it had before been. He conducted us to thedrawing-room, where I hoped to see Sophie, but her mother alone wasthere. I was struck also by the change of manner of the old lady,though she was as studiously polite and courteous as her husband.Having begged me to be seated, and made various common-place inquiries,he led his brother out of the room, while the old lady continued theconversation in the same formal strain. When I inquired for Sophie,expressing my hope that she had recovered from the fatigues of thevoyage, she answered that her daughter was in her room, and that she didnot think she would be able to leave it that morning.
After some time, when it seemed to me that we had exhausted all subjectsof conversation, and my tongue had begun in a most uncomfortable way tocling to my mouth, for I somehow or other had forgotten all about MrsFalconer, and that I had undertaken to narrate her history to her uncleand aunt, I was in truth thinking only of Sophie and myself, the twobrothers returned and the old lady retired. They then sat down oppositeto me, and I could not help feeling, by the expression of theircountenances and their manner, that something not over agreeable wascoming. Monsieur de Villereine looked at his brother and then at me,and hummed and hawed several times, as if he did not like to begin whathe had to say. At last he mustered courage.
"My dear Captain Laurel," he began, "I am sure that as a sailor you likeopen and frank dealing. Now, I need not tell you how much we esteemyou, and how grateful we are for the inestimable service you haverendered us, and for your kindness and attention while we were on boardyour ship; but you must acknowledge that I ought not as a father toallow these considerations to bias me when my daughter's futureprospects are concerned. Now you will understand, my brother and I hadagreed that she should marry her cousin Henri, although she herself isnot aware of this arrangement. My astonishment was nevertheless verygreat when she told me that you had offered her your hand, and that she,young and inexperienced as she is, had, without consulting me, venturedto accept you. Such a thing, my dear sir, is against all precedent.The whole of society would be subverted, and all parental authoritydestroyed, were I as a father to allow what you do me the honour ofproposing to take place. I am, I repeat, deeply grateful to you for theinestimable service you have rendered me, but I must ask you to begenerous, and not insist on my giving you the reward you demand."
"My dear sir," I exclaimed, "I do not ask for your daughter's hand as areward for anything I have done, though I esteem it the highest prize Icould win. The service you are pleased to say I have rendered you, Ishould equally have given to any
fellow-creature, and I therefore askyour daughter's hand as a free gift. I love her devotedly, and she hasconsented, with your permission, to be mine."
"My permission I cannot give, Captain Laurel," exclaimed the oldgentleman, growing more and more agitated. "I desire to reward you tothe utmost of my power, and you have my sincere and hearty gratitude;but more I cannot and will not offer. I regret deeply to say this, andI am grieved--greatly grieved. My brother knows my determination, and Iam sure that you will agree that it is better I should express it atonce."
In vain I attempted to plead my cause. I entreated to see Sophie, buther father replied that that would only be painful and useless; and atlength the elder Monsieur de Villereine observing that his carriage wasready, I took the hint, and, feeling as if I was walking in a dream, Igot into it. I felt dreadfully cast down. It seemed to me that Sophiewas lost to me for ever, and I might not again have an opportunity ofseeing her.
"I have some few commissions to perform in the town," said my friend,"and we will drive there. But notwithstanding what has occurred, I mustinsist on your coming back with me to see Henri: he and his sister willafford you all the consolation they can. But my brother is verydetermined, and I know him so well that I cannot tell you to keep upyour hopes. It would be wiser for you to abandon them altogether."
We reached the town, and when we got there I was much inclined to go onboard the ship and remain: but Monsieur de Villereine pressed me soearnestly to return, that, for the sake of Henri, I agreed to do so.As, however, I wished to go on board for a short time, he undertook towait for me. Taking a boat from the shore, I pulled out to the _Ellen_.I had not been long on board before Dick asked me to step into thecabin, as he had something of interest to communicate to me.
"Well, Captain Laurel," he said, as soon as we were seated, "I went onshore yesterday evening and walked up the town, and I am as sure as I amalive that this is the very place where you came from. As I walked upthe street, I came to the very spot where the black woman handed you tome when you were a little chap scarcely higher than my knee--I couldswear to it in any court of justice, if it were necessary--and, as Ithink I have told you, I have always carried about me the very coral youhad on at the time; and now I would advise you to lose no time in makinginquiries about the matter among your friends."
So wretched did I feel, that I was very little disposed to do this, andhad I not promised to rejoin Monsieur de Villereine, I think that Ishould have remained on board, to get ready for sailing as fast aspossible. I however told Dick that I would do as he recommended.
I found Monsieur de Villereine waiting on the quay for me. As soon aswe had got clear of the town, I began to speak to him on the subject.As I went on, I was surprised at the extraordinary agitation heexhibited.
"Do I understand from you, my dear sir, that you yourself were carriedaway from this island when about four years of age?" he asked, pullingup his horse, as if he felt unable to guide the animal, and gazing at meearnestly.
"One of my mates, who has acted the part of a father to me, has assuredme so," I answered, "though I myself have a very indistinct recollectioneven of events which occurred much after that."
"The ways of heaven are indeed mysterious," exclaimed Monsieur deVillereine. "At the time you mention, my second son, two years youngerthan Henri, while in charge of a black nurse, was lost to us. The poorwoman was wounded by a chance shot during an attack from an Englishsquadron, and she died shortly afterwards without being able to give anyaccount of what had become of the child, though we had hopes that he hadbeen carried on board one of the men-of-war. As, however, two of themwere afterwards lost, we abandoned all expectation of ever again seeingour son. I must not raise your hopes too high, nor my own, and yet whenI look at your features, and think of what my son might have been, Icannot but believe that you are indeed my lost boy. His name, too, wasCharles, which may be a remarkable coincidence. You tell me that thatname was given you on board the ship."
As may be supposed, my heart beat violently as Monsieur de Villereinesaid this; yet I could not help trusting that he was indeed my father.
That he might himself make inquiries of Dick, I offered to send on boardat once for my mate. We accordingly drove back into the town. Dicksoon arrived at the hotel, where we remained for him. Monsieur deVillereine cross-questioned him narrowly, and on his producing the coralI spoke of, any doubts he might have entertained vanished.
"My dear boy," he exclaimed, embracing me, "you are indeed my long-lostson. Your recovery will, I trust, be the means of preserving your poormother's life, for she has, I fear, a great grief in store for her; for,although she hoped for the best, I cannot but see that your poor brotherHenri's days are numbered."
I need not repeat what more my father said. Taking Dick in thecarriage, we drove rapidly home. My father hurried in first to preparemy mother, and in a few minutes I had the happiness of being clasped inher arms, and receiving the affectionate kisses of my sister Emilie andthe warm congratulations of poor Henri.
"I always loved you as a brother," he exclaimed; "and now I am indeeddelighted to find that you are so in reality."
I was scarcely aware how quickly the time had gone by, when carriagewheels were heard approaching the house.
"I sent off a note to your uncle and aunt," said Emilie to me, "as I wassure they would be glad to hear the news, and here they are."
They entered the room directly afterwards, followed by Sophie. Theformal manner my uncle had assumed had vanished. After he and my aunthad cordially welcomed me, the whole party disappeared from the roomwith the exception of Sophie.
"Papa has withdrawn his objection," she whispered; "and I told him Iwould never marry any one but you."
I must bring my yarn to a conclusion.
My first mate was so trustworthy a man, that I felt justified in sendingthe _Ellen_ back to Barbadoes under his charge to receive her cargo.
Poor Henri entreated that I would not delay my marriage, and Sophiehaving no objections, in the course of a few weeks we were united. Mybrother's death, which all expected, took place, to our great grief, ashort time afterwards.
I was thankful to find that the consignees of the _Ellen_ consented toallow my mate to take her home. On her next voyage my parents andsister, as well as my uncle and aunt, agreed to accompany me to England,leaving my brothers-in-law in charge of their two estates.
We had a prosperous passage, and having been invited by Mr and MrsDear to pay them a visit, we on our arrival repaired to their house,where Captain and Mrs Falconer had come to receive us; and I had thehappiness of introducing my old friend, and now my cousin Kitty, to heraunt and to the rest of her relations.
THE END.
Charley Laurel: A Story of Adventure by Sea and Land Page 23
