And grave and sorrowful faces answered, even before the tongue spoke:
"Lost in the flood!"
Then for a time loud wailing filled the house. But after a while it ceased, and comparative quiet followed.
"Where is Raphael and little Cro'?" at length inquired Mr. Berners.
"Raphael? Bless your soul, Marster, Raphael an't been seen in this house since you yourself left it," answered Joe.
"Then I am very much afraid the poor fellow has been lost," sighed Mr. Berners.
And then, having called Dilly to show Miss Pendleton to a bedroom, and ordered Joe to perform the same service for Captain Pendleton, Mr. Berners went to a back building of the house in which the poor refugees were gathered.
Here he found the people in great distress, mourning over the sudden loss of all their worldly goods.
He consoled them as well as he could; reminded them that, with all their losses, they had lost no members of their families, and promised them that he and his neighbors would rebuild and refurnish their cottages, and finally inviting them to stay at Black Hall until this should be accomplished.
Thanks and blessings followed his words, and then he asked: