Grace Darling, Heroine of the Farne IslandsFarningham, Marianne
History
Grace Darling, Heroine of the Farne Islands
Farningham, Marianne
Darling, Grace, 1815-1842; Women heroes -- England -- Northumberland -- Biography
"He will surely not lose hope for some time," said Darling; "and
to-morrow, if all is well, you will be able to return to him."
"But our boat was so injured by being beaten against the rocks, that I
fear it is useless," remarked one of the gentlemen.
"I will take you across in my boat," said Darling, "so you need have no
anxiety on that score."
"Oh, Mr. Darling, you make us more and more your debtors."
They were consoled, however, with the thought that the suspense of Mr.
Dudley would be relieved before very long; and as nothing could be done
on that day, they resigned themselves to their situation, and prepared
to have a delightful holiday.
When breakfast was over, Grace took Caroline to the turret of the
lighthouse to enjoy the extensive view which such a point of vantage
afforded. A better day for the purpose could scarcely have been
chosen, for the fleecy clouds floated gracefully, the air was calm, and
the sun shone forth in splendour. The ocean had not recovered from the
effects of the angry storm, and the wild white waves leaped up as if
they would overwhelm and altogether destroy everything that offered the
least opposition.
Miss Dudley gazed spell-bound on the scene, and could not find words in
which to express her admiration; while Grace, to whom it was all very
familiar, confessed that even the could never look upon it without
feelings of wonder and delight. She pointed out the famous Castle of
Bamborough, with its battlements and towers; then Holy Island, on which
could be seen the ruins of its ancient priory; and also the Cheviot
hills on the north.
"Have you ever heard any of the legends of our neighbourhood," inquired
Grace? "No," replied Caroline; "but it will give me very great
pleasure to listen to them."
Nothing could have pleased Grace better than to pour into the willing
ears of the young lady who had so strangely been brought to her, and
who had so attracted her affections, the old-world stories in which she
herself so greatly delighted. But to Miss Dudley the pleasure was even
greater. She was naturally romantic, being possessed of a warm poetic
temperament; and what treat could have been greater to such a maiden
than to sit in the lonely lighthouse tower of the weird Longstone
Island, and listen to the mysterious fascinating legends of
Northumbria, as told in melodious accents by the lips of the
enthusiastic island girl? What wonder that as she listened, and the
other talked, the two young hearts were drawn to each other in trustful
and admiring friendship?
They were soon recalled, however, for the three young men, Dudley,
Morrington, and William Darling, wished them to join them in a walk
about the islands. They strolled together along the beach; and as the
tide was ebbing, the sands were firm and pleasant. The two girls kept
together, and Grace pointed out to her friend those objects which were
the most interesting.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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