perished, or I might not."

"We never know what the morrow may bring forth," said Mr Seagrave, "or
what may be in store for us. Had not this misfortune happened, had old
Ready been spared to us, how joyfully should I and all of you have
quitted this island, full of anticipation, and indulging in worldly
prospects. What a check have I received! I now am all thought and
anxiety. I have said to myself, `we have been happy on this island; our
wants have been supplied; even our comforts have been great. We have
been under no temptations, for we have been isolated from the world; am
I so sure that I shall be as happy in future as I have been? Am I
confident, now my long-wished-for return to the world is about to take
place, that I shall have no cause to lament that I ever quitted this
peaceful, quiet spot?' I feel that it is a duty to my family that I
should return to society, but I am far from feeling that our happiness
may be increased. We have, however, a plain precept to follow, which
is, to do our duty in that state of life to which it has pleased God to
call us."

"Yes," replied Mrs Seagrave; "I feel the truth of all you have just
said. We are in his hands; let us put our trust in him."

"We will," replied Mr Seagrave; "but it is late, and we have to rise
early to-morrow morning. This is the last evening which we shall pass
on this island; let us return our thanks for the happiness we have
enjoyed here. We thought to have quitted this spot in joy,--it is his
will that we should leave it in sorrow."

Mr Seagrave took down the Bible, and after he had read a chapter, he
poured forth a prayer suited to their feelings, and they all retired to
repose.

The next morning they were up early, and packed up the few articles
which still remained to go on board. Mr Seagrave read the prayers, and
they went to breakfast. Few words were exchanged, for there was a
solemn grief upon all of them. They waited for the arrival of Captain
Osborn and the crew of the schooner to attend the funeral of poor old
Ready. William, who had gone out occasionally to look at the vessel,
now came in, and said that two boats were pulling on shore. A few
minutes afterwards, Captain Osborn and the commander of the schooner
soon made their appearance. The coffin had been brought on shore; the
body of Ready was put into it, and it was screwed down.

In half an hour all was prepared, and the family were summoned from the
house. The coff