"Is this Miss Montgomery?" said she "I can't see, I am sure, it's so dark. Is that you, Miss Montgomery?"
"Yes," said Ellen, "it is I; do you want me?"
"If you please, Miss, Mrs. Dunscombe wants you to come right down; we're almost in, she says, Miss."
"I'll come directly, Miss Timmins," said Ellen. "Don't wait for me I won't be a minute I'll come directly."
Miss Timmins retired, standing still a good deal in awe of the grave personage whose protection Ellen seemed to have gained.
"I must go," said Ellen, standing up and extending her hand; "good-bye, Sir."
She could hardly say it. He drew her towards him and kissed her cheek once or twice: it was well he did; for it sent a thrill of pleasure to Ellen's heart that she did not get over that evening, nor all the next day.
"God bless you, my child," he said gravely, but cheerfully; "and good-night! you will feel better, I trust, when you have had some rest and refreshment."
He took care of her down the stairs, and saw her safe to the very door of the saloon, and within it, and there again took her hand, and kindly bade her good-night.
Ellen entered the saloon only to sit down and cry as if her heart would break. She saw and heard nothing till Mrs. Dunscombe's voice bade her make haste and be ready, for they were going ashore in five minutes.