"
"Did he?"
"Yes, after saving all our lives. Need I say that we are anxious, in
our turn, to hear of his safety? It was still very tempestuous when he
left us to catch the great ship, and he was in an open boat."
"My brother is alive, Miss Fountain, if that is what you wish to
know."
"Alive? is he not well? has he met with any accident? any misfortune?
is he in the East Indiaman? has he written to you?"
"You are very curious: it is rather late in the day; but, if I am to
speak about my brother, it must be at home, and not in an open shop. I
can't trust my feelings."
"Are you going home, Miss Dodd?"
"Yes."
"Shall I come with you?"
"If you like: it is close by."
Lucy's heart quaked. Eve was so stern, and her eyes like basilisks'.
"Sit down, Miss Fountain, and I will tell you what you have done for
my brother. I did not court this, you know; I would have avoided your
eye if I could; it is your doing."
"Yes, Miss Dodd," faltered Lucy, "and I should do it again. I have a
right to inquire after his welfare who saved my life."
"Well, then, Miss Fountain, his saving your life has lost him his ship
and ruined him for life."
"Oh!"
"He came in sight of the ship; but the captain, that was jealous of
him like all the rest, made all sail and ran from him: he chased her,
and often was near catching her, but she got clear out of the Channel,
and my poor David had to come back disgraced, ruined for life, and
broken-hearted.
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