"Mary," said Elinor, with an effort, looking towards Mrs. Van
Horne, "ask if—"
Mary guessed that she wished to know if the Van Hornes had heard anything in addition to the account in the paper. Without speaking, she looked the question.
"We have had a few lines, sent us by Mrs. de Vaux from New York," said Mrs. Van Horne, gently.
Elinor closed her eyes, and fell back again on the cushion.
"You must not talk, my dear," said the doctor kindly.
Young de Vaux had in fact written a line or two to his mother, who was in New York, by the boat which he sent off immediately to engage a small steamer, as soon as the squall had passed over; and this note had been considerately forwarded by Mrs. de Vaux to the Van Hornes, as it mentioned the safety of their own son. It ran as follows:
"Martha's Vineyard.
"MY DEAR MOTHER:—We are greatly distressed by a melancholy accident which befell us scarce an hour since. The Petrel capsized; most of our party are safe; but two of my friends are gone, Hazlehurst and Hubbard! You will understand our grief; mine especially! We shall return immediately.
"Your son, H. de V."
The doctor handed this note to Mary, at a moment when Mrs. Van
Horne was bending over Elinor.