I am powerless to aid them, and to His hands I entrust them." Heaving a deep sigh, he resumed his painful ruminations: "It might be worse; yes, it might be worse.

I might have perished with the others, or I might not have been spared a single companion.

God has given me one, and with her I could almost be happy." Returning to his humble cabin he was met by Blanche, who greeted him with a sweet smile.

Blanche seemed to grow in goodness and beauty.

She was his consoler in his hour of grief.