Young Delrio’s first proceeding, even while his father was wringing his hand in speechless welcome and thankfulness, was to turn to Captain Henderson. “Sir, your boat is safe, it will be brought in to-morrow. I am much concerned, and beg your forgiveness, but I had no idea that it was yours till Griggs found your name. Only one oar is lost, and a cushion, which I will replace.” “Say no more, pray,” said Captain Henderson. “The fault was my servant’s, who took it without leave, and left it out. He must repair the very slight damage.” Miss Mohun wanted the whole troop to come up to Beechcroft to drink tea, and her relations consented; but the hearts of the Prescotts were a great deal too full for them not to wish to be alone together; and after Magdalen had given her hand to Lord Rotherwood with a fervent, “You know what I would say, my lord—beyond all words,” they turned homewards; but Mr. Flight ran after them to say in a low voice, “Can we meet to-morrow at eight for a service of thanksgiving?” And this was gladly accepted. Hubert was dragged off by his father. “Nonsense! they don’t want your apologies and explanations. It would only be besetting them. Come home with me, and don’t be a fool! But write a few lines to your poor mother, after the intolerable fright you have given her; meddling and presuming where you had no business. A Providence it is that you are not half across the Atlantic, if not at the bottom of it.” Of course this was the reaction of great anxiety; but however meekly Hubert submitted to the queer outpouring of affection, and however thankful they both were, and glad and content over the particulars of the youth’s work and progress, still he was not to be withheld from laying hand and heart at Vera Prescott’s feet, as he insisted was due to her and her family after the compromising situation in which he had placed her. His father said it was talking novels and folly; but he was a man of three and twenty, and could not well be stopped, as he was earning his own livelihood, and had always been irreproachable. So Mr. Delrio had to leave the matter, only expressing discouragement, and insisting that it must be no more than an engagement. The thanksgiving took place as arranged, and Lord Rotherwood, his daughter, and Mysie were there. For indeed there had been danger enough during the thunderstorm to make the safety of the _Kittiwake_ a matter of thankfulness, though the rescue of the boat had caused it to be almost forgotten in the history of the night.