THE telegram had been received about mid-day; and Mr. Flight rushed up with it to the Goyle, just in time to prevent poor old Mr. Delrio from starting hopelessly home. It had suffered a good deal in spelling and precision, in spite of Lady Phyllis’s precautions; but “both safe” was understood, as it was known in Rock Quay that “Lord Rotherwood and family,” as the papers had it, were yachting in the _Kittiwake_ and might be expected in the bay. Agatha and Paula threw their arms round one another and cried; Magdalen, with a choke in her voice, struggled to ask Mr. Flight to lead them in a few words of thanksgiving; and as soon as these were over, Thekla expressed her hopes that they had been cast on a desert island and would bring home Man Friday. The Goyle ladies walked over to Clipstone with the good news, and the whole party went down afterwards to Rockstone to look out for yachts, and inquire about possibilities. The _Kittiwake_ being a steamer, light and swift, might be expected in harbour in the course of the night, and Mr. Delrio meant to wait for her at his son’s lodgings. The ladies wished they could do the same; and Paula was allowed to accept Sister Beata’s humble entreaty to house her. But they did not know how long before the telegraph from St. Malo the _Kittiwake_ from St. Cadoc had spread her wings and hoisted her feather, for, happily, her coals had held out better than her provisions. So, as they were looking their last look from the cliffs of Beechcroft Miss Mohun exclaimed, “A steamer! a yacht! _Kittiwake_!” Glasses were rushed for, and unaccustomed eyes could trace the graceful course through the gentle evening waves towards the quay. Every one was on the quay in time to receive the boat, which, rowed by four smart sailors, was seen with the party of six, two sailor hats, and one red cap being at once spied out among the female figures. Then two hats were waved and answered by cheers of welcome; and the figures were recognised, and unnecessarily numerous hands stretched out to assist the landing from the plank extended to the boat. Vera was put first by her kind rescuers, Lord Rotherwood’s hand guiding her to the rail, and, after an insecure step or so, she found herself in the arms of Paulina, sobbing for joy; and the little cluster of sisters seemed to know nothing else, except Thekla, who presently, in the confusion of the greetings, was found by Lord Rotherwood looking about vaguely, and saying, “But where’s their man Friday?” “You must accept me for him,” said he. “’Tis Friday, unless we have lost our reckoning! I hope you think me something promising in the way of savages!”