Agnes and her child had been removed from the open and exposed upper chamber to the lower one, which was more comfortable. Alice, forgetful of her own fears and cares, bestowed upon the unfortunate young woman the most affectionate attention. Miss Joe, broken-hearted and half crazy, yet still governed by her inveterate habits of order and industry, went about putting things to rights, groaning, wringing her hands, and getting breakfast. Diogenes brought wood and water, and stood shivering and waiting orders without the door.
Very soon after sunrise General Garnet, with two of his servants, arrived from the mainland. The wild ruin that reigned around, the deep distress that prevailed within the house, arrested all speech of blame upon his lips. He kissed Alice, expressing his gratitude to Heaven that she was saved. He condoled with Miss Joe, said that he would send over workmen to repair the house, offered any other assistance in his power, and requested to know in what manner he could serve her. But Miss Joe shook her head dolefully, said that she had always lived without alms, and that she could not receive any now; that she had not very long to live, but hoped she should not die a pauper.
After breakfast General Garnet took Alice home.
For many days nothing was talked of but the storm and the wreck. And every day brought in news of some disaster that had been wrought by the tempest.
One day, as Alice sat sewing in her room, General Garnet entered with a cloud upon his brow, and the newly arrived Norfolk Signal in his hand. To his wife’s startled look and anxious question, he answered:
“A heavy misfortune has befallen our neighbor Hardcastle. His son Lionel was lost in the storm of the 28th.”
“Oh, Heaven!”
“Yes, fearful as the wind was here, it was even more terrific farther down the coast. The Falcon, homeward bound, was about entering Hampton Roads when overtaken by that horrible and disastrous tempest. The Falcon suffered frightfully. In the midst of the storm several of the crew and one of the midshipmen were washed overboard. Here is the full account in the leading column of the Signal. Read it. I must go over and see poor Hardcastle. By the way, Alice, this makes a very great change in the prospects of your young friend, Magnus. Hardcastle had no other child but Lionel, and has no near relation but his nephew Magnus, has he?”
“No,” said Alice, looking surprised at such a question at such a time.