Agnes was a very quiet woman. When without a word she took my hand and kissed it, I felt what a depth there was in the feeling she could not utter. I did not withdraw my hand, for I knew that would be to rebuke her love for Joe. "Will you come in and wait?" I said indefinitely. "No, thank you, sir. I must go to my mother. God will look after Joe, won't he, sir?" "As sure as there is a God, Agnes," I said; and she went away without another word. I put my hand on the top of the wall and jumped over. I started back with terror, for I had almost alighted on the body of a woman lying there. The first insane suggestion was that it had been cast ashore; but the next moment I knew that it was my own Wynnie. She had not even fainted. She was lying with her handkerchief stuffed into her mouth to keep her from screaming. When I uttered her name she rose, and, without looking at me, walked away towards the house. I followed. She went straight to her own room and shut the door. I went to find her mother. She was with Connie, who was now awake, lying pale and frightened. I told Ethelwyn that Percivale and Joe were on board the little schooner, which was holding on by her anchor, that Wynnie was in terror about Percivale, that I had found her lying on the wet grass, and that she must get her into a warm bath and to bed. We went together to her room. She was standing in the middle of the floor, with her hands pressed against her temples. "Wynnie," I said, "our friends are not drowned. I think you will see them quite safe in the morning. Pray to God for them." She did not hear a word. "Leave her with me," said Ethelwyn, proceeding to undress her; "and tell nurse to bring up the large bath. There is plenty of hot water in the boiler. I gave orders to that effect, not knowing what might happen." Wynnie shuddered as her mother said this; but I waited no longer, for when Ethelwyn spoke everyone felt her authority. I obeyed her, and then went to Connie's room. "Do you mind being left alone a little while?" I asked her. "No, papa; only--are they all drowned?" she said with a shudder. "I hope not, my dear; but be sure of the mercy of God, whatever you fear. You must rest in him, my love; for he is life, and will conquer death both in the soul and in the body." "I was not thinking of myself, papa." "I know that, my dear. But God is thinking of you and every creature that he has made. And for our sakes you must be quiet in heart, that you may get better, and be able to help us." "I will try, papa," she said; and, turning slowly on her side, she lay quite still. Dora and the boys were all fast asleep, for it was very late. I cannot, however, say what hour it was.