it be then, a
megrim? No. Well, I can't imagine any thing worse, to save my life.
Here, let me read you this, it is fine--it is where Jane Eyre feels
herself deserted, and this comparison about 'the dried-up channel of a
river' thrills one. Just hear it;" and she was about commencing--

"Not now--not now, Miss Lamarque; stern realities demand our attention.
Lay your book aside, be calm, be firm, but listen to me seriously.
Christian Garth informs me, nor he alone--my own eyes have done the
rest--that the cotton in the hold has taken fire from the lightning
yesterday; has been slowly smouldering ever since the mast was
struck--and that the ship's hours are numbered!"

"O God! O God!" and she bowed her head upon her clasped and quivering
hands. "But, Captain Ambrose--he did not tell you so?" looking up
suddenly. "Christian Garth, indeed! his impudence is surprising--another
hoax, I suppose," and she tried to smile; "such a coarse creature, too!"

"We shall see, but for the present say nothing; only get up and dress as
quickly as you can, but it is important to be very quiet, for fear of
causing confusion. I have promised discretion."

"Call Dominica, then, for me, Miss Harz," gasping and stretching forth
her arms. "I can do nothing for myself--nothing--I am so weak, so
helpless. Yet I must believe he is--you are mistaken!"

"I trust it may prove so. But let me assist you; Dominica is best
employed making ready the little ones and giving them
food--strengthening them for the struggle. She will be nerveless if she
knows the truth, and you are not in a condition to conceal it."

"Just as you will, then. My trunk--will you be so kind as to unlock it
and give me out the tray--that picture? After that I can get along
alone."

I silently did as she desired, and saw her place a covered miniature
about her neck before she arose. Very few minutes sufficed this morning
for her toilet--usually a tedious and fastidious one--her dress, her
bonnet, her shawl, were hastily thrown on, her watch secured with the
few jewels lying upon the night-table; the rest of her valuables were
with other boxes in the hold, the repository of all unneeded baggage,
and these, of course, she could scarcely hope to save in case of fire,
even if lives were rescued.

Then, together, we went out, just in time to join the little troop of
young children and nurses on their way to the deck. Miss Lamarque did
not reply to their tumultuous greeting, but,