Some one knocked; it proved to be Frank.
"There is a possibility, a bare possibility, that Margaret is living. There is a rumor that a young woman floated down the river clinging to a board, and was picked up by a fisherman."
"But if it were Margaret she would have sent us some message."
"So it would seem. Still, Cyril is going to see. Belle is very hopeful about it."
"In religion Belle is an enthusiast," was the reply. "Frank, mamma sacrificed her life to Margaret, and Margaret sacrificed hers to mamma. They both had high notions on such points, and I can easily imagine mamma as dying for almost any one she dearly loved; but I did not believe Margaret had such heroism. They died sublimely! Better such death than a thousand narrow, selfish lives!"
"Yes, yes, indeed. Shall you be able to leave Harry to go with us to-morrow?"
"Yes; I must. George Van Zandt will stay with him. Poor Harry! I have been so unjust to him! Think of his trying to save mamma and Margaret, with one arm broken!"
"Harry is a noble fellow. There goes Cyril. And Belle with him, I declare! I must see to that."
He ran down and overtook them.
"I looked for you everywhere," she said, "and finally left a message for you. If this proves to be Margaret she is in a disabled condition, or she would have sent a message. She knows how careful we are never to leave each other in needless suspense. So I am going to see."