“Yes,” the old man said, “I am, madam; and let me implore you, do not mention to any one what has happened. If you only knew what Carry has gone through, I am sure you would not; and now, just as we were getting comfortable again”—
“You may rely upon me, Mr. Walker. But I must see your daughter, and ask her some questions. The happiness of a whole family depends upon her answer. I will come in at nine o’clock this evening.”
“Very well, ma’am,” the old man said, “but pray, pray say nothing about it.”
“You may rely upon me,” Miss Heathcote said.
James was very quiet and still upon his way home. “Only to think,” he muttered gently to himself, “Carry alive after all!” When he reached the door, he said to Alice, “Please tell grandfather. I shall go and lie down for a while.”
“Uncle Harry,” Alice said, “a very strange thing has happened. We went into a shop, and found Mr. Walker and his daughter.”
“What!” Captain Bradshaw said, perfectly astounded. “Mr. Walker and his daughter? Do you really mean her, Alice?”
“Yes, uncle, there is no mistake about it.”
“But I thought she was drowned, Alice?”
“We did think so, uncle; but you see she is not. I shall be able to tell you more to-night, uncle. I am going to see her at nine this evening.”