"Thank you," he said. "I know what it is. I am a Virginian. I sailed from that colony in the ship Sir Walter Raleigh. Who has been so kind as to bring me all these rugs," he continued.
"We did," replied Mrs. Carleton, looking in the direction of Miss Vyvyan, who with the child stood near them.
"What, with your own hands? I regret to have caused you so much trouble; although I am grateful to you in the extreme, I would have preferred you to have given orders to some of your servants. It is not seemly that ladies such you are should wait upon me; it is not consistent with the chivalry of a gentleman."
"I understand your feelings on this subject," said Mrs. Carleton, "for I, too, am a Virginian; but we have no servants now, and my friend and I are glad that we can be useful. It is five days since your ship was wrecked, therefore we know that you must have suffered greatly. Pray do not be disturbed by seeing us doing what little we can to save you from perishing; let me assure you that we are very happy to do our utmost."
The young man bowed, his cheeks still wore the bright flush of fever which heightened the intensity of his soft brown eyes, that beamed with gratitude.
"Do you say that you are a Virginian?" he inquired, addressing Mrs. Carleton.
"Yes," she answered; "we were in the Sir Walter Raleigh, too; that is to say, my husband and child with myself, but I never saw any of the passengers. I remained in my cabin all the time we were at sea."
"I recollect you, now," he said. "I saw Colonel Carleton lift you and your child into a boat when our ship went ashore."
"Were you acquainted with Colonel Carleton?" she inquired. "He was my husband."
"We were not acquainted until we met on board, but during the several weeks we were at sea we passed all the time together. You say he was your husband. Is it possible that generous-hearted man is lost?"