On this pier were gathered six persons, awaiting the arrival from Quebec of the outward-bound steamer. They were Madame McAllister and her son Noël, Marie Gourdon, Pierre, her father, Jean, her brother, and M. Bois-le-Duc. What was the matter with M. le curé this afternoon? He looked anxious and care-worn, and scarcely spoke to anyone. Marie, on the contrary, was very bright, and tried to keep up Madame McAllister's spirits, which were at the lowest ebb.
On the whole, there was not much talking done, for a cloud seemed to hang over the whole party.
Presently, some miles out on the gulf, at first like a tiny black speck, appeared the steamer. Nearer and nearer it came, growing larger and larger as it approached. The dark waters heaved up in huge waves as her bow pierced their depths. The foam dashed high, as if in angry protest at the intruder. And Madame McAllister, glancing at the ship, said in her quaint, pathetic way: "Ah! Noël, my son, here is the ship like some huge monster come to swallow you up. I cannot let you go. Oh! my son, my son!"
At length the steamer "Peruvian"—for Lady McAllister desired that Noël should travel in every way befitting her heir—reached the pier. Ropes were thrown out and caught by the fishermen.
The mails, in great leather bags, were thrown on board, and shouts were heard of "All passengers aboard!"
During all this bustle Noël McAllister stepped aside, and said to M. Bois-le-Duc, in a hurried, anxious tone:
"And now, my father, are you not going to give me your blessing?"
M. Bois-le-Duc, strangely enough, had made no advance towards his favorite pupil; in fact, during the whole of the last month had seemed to avoid him. Now, when thus directly questioned, he answered:
"Yes, Noël, I wish you all happiness in your new life, and hope you will have a safe and pleasant voyage."
"And is that all you have to say to me, my father?"