On the other
hand, the Montauk laid her yards square, and ran down to the Hook. The
pilot from the corvette had been sent on board the packet, and, the wind
standing, by eleven o'clock the latter had crossed the bar. At this moment
the low dark stern of the Foam resembled a small black spot on the sea
sustaining a pyramid of cloud.
"You were not on deck, John, to take leave of our young friend Powis,"
said Mr. Effingham, reproachfully.
"I do not wish to witness a ceremony of this extraordinary nature. And yet
it might have been better if I had."
"Better, cousin Jack!"
"Better. Poor Monday committed to my care certain papers that, I fancy,
are of moment to some one, and these I intrusted to Mr. Powis, with a view
to examine them together when we should get in. In the hurry of parting,
he has carried them off."
"They may be reclaimed by writing to London," said Mr. Effingham quietly.
"Have you his address?"
"I asked him for it; but the question appeared to embarrass him."
"Embarrass, cousin Jack!"
"Embarrass, Miss Effingham."
The subject was now dropped by common consent. A few moments of awkward
silence succeeded, when the interest inseparable from a return home, after
an absence of years, began to resume its influence, and objects on the
land were noticed.
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