Elizabeth entered timidly, as she always did, but her face beamed with happiness.
Lady Phipps looked up shocked to the heart.
"Elizabeth!" The lady sat up in her bed and held forth her arms tenderly as if the girl had been her own child.
"He is here—he is safe—he—"
The young girl fell down upon her knees by the bed, pressing soft kisses on the lady's hand.
Sir William Phipps arose and went out. It was seldom that his face betrayed any of the deep feelings of his nature, but as he went forth, that firm mouth quivered, and he turned from one object to another, searching eagerly for something.
"Sir William."
The governor gave an imperceptible start, controlled himself, and reaching forth his hand—the large, firm hand, which had known much toil in its day—buried that of the young man in its grasp.
"I hope that Lady Phipps was not alarmed by my absence," said Norman, a little chilled by this composure.
"I cannot quite say that with truth, young man," replied the governor; "but you will explain all at breakfast. From the state of your garments I should judge that you had at least been in the water."