It was incumbent on him to go to the house of the Mussets and enquire for Phoebe. He could do no less; so he descended the ladder and took his way thither.
Phoebe was not hurt, she was only frightened. She had been wet through, and was at once put to bed. She cried a great deal, and old Musset vowed he would take out a summons against the aggressor. Mrs. Musset wept in sympathy with her daughter, and then fell on De Witt for having permitted the assault to take place unopposed.
'How could I interfere?' he asked, desperate with his difficulties. 'It was up and over with her before I was aware.'
'My girl is not accustomed to associate with cannibals,' said Mrs. Musset, drawing herself out like a telescope.
As George returned much crestfallen to the beach, now deserted, for the night had come on, he was accosted by Elijah Rebow.
'George!' said the owner of Red Hall, laying a hand on his cousin's shoulder, 'you ought not to be here.'
'Where ought I to be, Elijah? It seems to me that I have been everywhere to-day where I ought not to be. I am left in a hopeless muddle.'
'You ought not to allow Glory to part from you in anger.'
'How can I help it? I am sorry enough for the quarrel, but you must allow her conduct was trying to the temper.'
'She had great provocation. I wonder she did not kill that girl. She has a temper, has Mehalah, that does not stick at trifles; but she is generous and forgiving.'