And during all this time nothing occurred to throw the faintest gleam of light upon the deep darkness that still enveloped the fate of Sybil Berners.
This period of almost insupportable anxiety was passed by Mr. Berners in doing all that was possible to repair the damage done by the disastrous flood.
He was the largest subscriber to, and also the treasurer of the fund raised for the relief of the victims, and passed much time in receiving and disbursing money on their account.
CHAPTER XXVII.
THE VICTIMS.
| And each will mourn his own, (she saith,) |
| But sweeter woman ne'er drew breath |
| Than that young wife.—Jean Inglelow. |
The Great Black Valley Flood, as it came to be called, had occurred on Hallow Eve.
Before Christmas Eve many of its ravages had been repaired.
The laborers' cottages had been rebuilt and refurnished. Other dwellings were in process of reconstruction; and the works were only temporarily suspended by the frost. The public buildings were contracted for, to be re-erected in the spring.