And it is the women who have the worst of it. It is not so difficult for heroic men to rush into danger for the salvation of human life, as it is for loving women to sit calmly at home while the lives that are dearest to them are in jeopardy. Mrs. Browning understood this when she wrote her poem, "Parting Lovers," when Italy needed brave men to die for her:-- "Heroic males the country bears, But daughters give up more than sons; Flags wave, drums beat, and unawares You flash your souls out with the guns, And take your heaven at once. "But we? We empty heart and home Of life's life--love! We bear to think You're gone--to feel you may not come-- To hear the door-latch stir and clink, Yet no more you!--nor sink." Happily, however, on this occasion Mrs. Darling's suspense was not of long duration; for her husband and son managed to row to the little imperilled yacht, and succeeded, though not without danger to themselves, in rescuing its occupants. A few minutes more, and they must have perished; and their joy and thankfulness at being saved at, as it seemed to them, the eleventh hour, may be better imagined than described. Away to the friendly lighthouse rowed Mr. Darling and his son, and in a very short space of time they were safely sheltered from the storm. On the threshold of the home, they were met by Grace, who, with her mother, eagerly and kindly welcomed them. "Come into the light and warmth," said Mrs. Darling, "and I will find you some warm clothing. Thank God that you are saved." "Yes, indeed; and we shall never cease to feel thankful also to our kind deliverers, for their skill and courage in saving us from death." The party consisted of four persons--a lady, two gentlemen, and the boatman; and were quite an addition to the little household, which was, however equal to the emergency. "Come with me," said Grace to the lady, "and I will find you some dry clothing." "Thank you," she said. "I could not have imagined any thing like the rain and spray with which we have been drenched; my face was quite stung with them as they beat against me." "Yes, it is something dreadful during a storm; and of course it seems worse to those who are not used to it. If you take off everything that is wet, and exchange it for dry, I hope you will take no real harm." The wardrobe of Grace Darling was not a very extensive one, but she spread her belongings before the visitor with the utmost readiness and kindness. "Please take any article that can be of the least use to you. I am only sorry that I have no better ones to offer." "Pray do not speak of that. It will be most delightful to feel warm and dry once more."