The letters were large enough,—printed, in fact: she read it but once.
"Your Dirk come Aboord the Chief at New York. I knowed him by a mark on his wrist—the time jim hallet cut him' you mind. he is aged and Differentt name. I kep close. we sail to-day and Ill Breng him Ashor tomorrer nite plese God. be on Handd."
She folded the letter, crease by crease, and put it quietly in her pocket. Joe watched her curiously.
"D' Ben say when the Chief ud run in?"
"To-night."
"Bah-h! there be n't a vessel within miles of this coast,—without a gale drives 'm in."
She did not seem to hear him: was feeling her wet petticoats and sleeves. She would shame Derrick, after all, with this patched, muddy frock! She had worked so long to buy the black silk, gown and white neckercher that was folded in the bureau-drawer to wear the day he'd come back!
"When he come back!"
Then, for the first time, she realized what she was thinking about. Coming to-night!
Presently Miss Defourchet went to her where she was sitting on a box in the dark and rain.