could eat nothing, having cried herself ill, and being in feverish
expectation still of some news--she did not know what. Mr Ruthven
found fault with the children so indefatigably, that they gulped down
their porridge and slipped out under Helsa's arm as she opened the door,
and away to the next house, where the voice of scolding was never heard.
The pastor next began wondering whether Rollo was still playing the
watchman in the harbour--tired and hungry; and he was proceeding to
wonder how a clever lad like Rollo could let himself be made such a fool
of by his mother, when Helsa cut short the soliloquy by telling that
Rollo was at home. He had come up just now with the steward.

"The steward," cried Lady Carse, springing to her feet. "I knew it! I
see it all!" And she wrung her hands.

"What is it? my dear love, my precious friend,--what _is_ the matter?
Compose yourself!" said Mrs Ruthven, soothingly.

But the lady would not hear of being soothed. It was plain now that the
distant vessel, the boat, the sailors, were sent by her friends. If Mr
Ruthven had only been quick enough to let them know who she was, she
should by this time have been safe. How could they suppose that she was
Lady Carse, dressed as she was, agitated as she was! A word from Mr
Ruthven, the least readiness on his part, would have saved her. And
now, here was the steward come to baffle all. Sir Alexander Macdonald
had had eyes for her deliverers, though her nearest friends had none.
Annie was her best friend after all. It was Annie's ball of thread, no
doubt, that had roused her friends, and made them send this vessel; and
Annie alone had shown any sense last night.

Mr Ruthven did not understand or approve of very sudden conversions;
and this was really a sudden conversion, after pointing at the widow
Fleming in church yesterday. He ought to state too that he did not
approve of pointing at individuals in church. He should be sorry that
his children should learn the habit; and--

"You would?" interrupted Lady Carse. "Then take care I do not point at
her next sabbath as the only friend I have on this island."

"My dear creature!" said Mrs Ruthven, "pray do not say such severe
things: you will break my heart. You do the greatest injustice to our
affection. Only let me show you! If this wicked steward prevents your
escape now, I will get away somehow, and tell your story to all the
world; and they shall send another vessel for yo