"
No reply was made to Ready's judicious remarks. The Seagraves only saw
that the vessel was leaving them, and their hearts sank. They watched
her in silence, and as she gradually diminished to the view, so did
their hopes depart from them. The wind was now fierce, and a heavy
squall, with rain, obscured the offing, and the vessel was no longer to
be distinguished. Mr. Seagrave turned to his wife, and mournfully
offered her his arm. They walked away from the beach without speaking;
the remainder of the party, with the exception of old Ready, followed
them. Ready remained some time with his eyes in the direction where the
vessel was last seen. At last he hauled down the ensign and flag, and,
throwing them over his shoulder, followed the disconsolate party to the
house.
Chapter XLIV
When Ready arrived, he found them all plunged in such deep distress,
that he did not consider it advisable to say anything. The evening
closed in; it was time to retire. The countenance of Mr. Seagrave was
not only gloomy, but morose. The hour for retiring to rest had long
passed when Ready broke the silence by saying, "Surely, you do not
intend to sit up all night, Mr.
Pages:
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310