urice, half an hour
was enough for the settling of their last affairs at Bourg-Cailloux.

Mrs. Costello did not wish to go on board the boat till near the hour
named for sailing; it was well, too, that she should have as much rest
as possible before her journey. She kept on her sofa, therefore, where
so large a portion of her time lately had been spent; and Lucia, from
habit, took her seat by the window.

Then in the quiet twilight arose the question, "Where are we to go when
we reach England?"

"Where?" Maurice said, "why, to Hunsdon, of course. My father will be so
pleased--and Louisa will come rushing over in ecstasies the moment she
hears."

"That might be all very well," Mrs. Costello said, "if we were only
coming to England as visitors, but since we are not, I shall wish to
find a place were we can settle as quickly as possible. I should
certainly like it to be within reach of Hunsdon, if we can manage it."

"Come to Hunsdon first, at any rate, and look out."

"I think not, Maurice. We might stay in London for a week or two."

"Well, if you _prefer_ it. But, at all events, I know perfectly well
that one week of London will be as much as either of you can bear. When
you have had that, I shall try again to persuade you."

While they talked, Lucia sat looking out. For the last time she saw the
Place grow dusky, and then flame out with gas--for the last time she
watched the lighting of the beacon, and wondered how far on their way
they would be able to see it still.

Eight o'clock struck; then a quarter past, and it was time to go.

The boat lay in the dock. On board, a faint light gleamed out from the
cabin-door, but everything on shore was dark. Passengers were arriving
each moment, and their luggage stood piled up ready to be embarked.
Sailors were talking or shouting to each other in English and French;
the cargo of fruit and vegetables was still being stowed away, and
people were running against other people in the darkness, and trying
vainly to discover their own trunks on the deck, or their own berths in
the cabin. Into the midst of all this confusion Maurice brought his
charges; but as he had been on board in the afternoon, he knew where to
take them, and they found their own quarters without difficulty. While
he saw to their packages, they made their arrangements for the night.

"I shall lie down at once," Mrs. Costello said. "It is not uncomfortable
here, and I think it is always best."

"But i