The explanation fully satisfied the rest, and sounded plausible to Hemstead; and the evening promised to pass quietly and uneventfully away. Mrs. Marchmont's parlor was a picture of cosey elegance. Bel, and Addie with her mother and uncle, made a game of whist at one table; while Hemstead in subdued tones read the latest magazine at another. De Forrest was half-dozing in his chair, for the article was rather beyond him; and while Lottie's fair face was very thoughtful, it might be questioned whether the thought was suggested by the reader or by what he read. But the article was finished, and for the relief of change Hemstead paced the room a few moments, and then half-aimlessly went to the window and looked out toward the river. His abrupt exclamation startled them all.
"There is the light again!"
A moment later he stood, bare-headed, upon the piazza, straining his eyes out into the darkness.
"I feel impressed that there is something wrong,—that some one is in danger," he said to Lottie, who had followed him.
"You will take cold standing here without your hat," she said.
"So will you. Where is your hat, that you should talk prudence to me?"
But the others were more thoughtful of themselves, and were well protected as they now also came out upon the piazza.
"Well, it is a little queer," said Mr. Dimmerly.
"I suppose one ought to go and see what it means," said Bel, hesitatingly. "But then there are those better able to go than any one from here."
"Hush!" said Hemstead.