“But think of the many lives that have been lost.”
“I do, and regret them; still, selfish as it may sound, remember we are all safe, and, after all, that is a great thing.”
“I am sure I don’t know how long we will be safe with this volcano.”
“Nonsense, Helena!” said her father in a vexed tone; “I tell you there is no danger there. Nothing new has happened that I know of. The island is quite safe, but if there are any chances of an outburst, we will get away in Crispin’s yacht.”
“That is what I was saying to Helena this morning. But will you abandon the new Hellas?”
“I must if Hephaistos bids me. The bravest man can do nothing against a burning mountain. No, Maurice, if I am driven from Melnos, I will no longer fight against fate; already, by the death of so many, a great deal of my forty years’ labor has proved futile, so if the crowning touch is put to it by the outbreak of the volcano, I will throw up the game.”
“And return to England?”
“Yes. I am old now, and want rest, so I have no doubt you and Helena will give me a corner at the Grange. It will be a great blow to me should things turn out in this way; still, I may be too pessimistic, and all may yet be well.”
“If I may make so bold, sir,” said Dick, who had been talking in a whisper to Zoe, “what, may I ask, is to become of me? Zoe, here, says, if Miss Helena goes to England, she will go too.”
“Well, you will accompany her, Dick,” said Maurice genially; “and I have no doubt that, when you are married, I will be able to give you a billet at the Grange.”