Some faint hope there yet existed, that he might have been picked up by one of the ships which were continually passing and repassing on that course; and Captain Seaforth concluded his melancholy narration by entreating Mr.Hamilton not to permit himself to despair, as hope there yet was, though but faint.

Evidently he wrote as he felt, not merely to calm the minds of Edward's sorrowing friends, but Mr.Hamilton could not share these sanguine expectations.

Mystery had also enveloped the fate of his brother-in-law, Charles Manvers; long, very long, had he hoped that he lived, that he would yet return; but year after year had passed, till four-and-twenty had rolled by, and still there were no tidings.

Well did he remember the heart-sickening that had attended his hopes deferred, the anguish of suspense which for many weary months had been the portion of his wife, and he thought it almost better for Ellen to believe her brother dead, than to live on in the indulgence of hopes that might have no foundation; yet how could he tell her he was dead, when there was one gleam of hope, however faint.
Well did he know the devoted affection which the orphans bore to each other.

He gazed on her in deep commiseration, as in unbroken silence she listened to the tenderly-told tale; and, drawing her once more to his bosom as Mr.Howard ceased, he fondly and repeatedly kissed her brow, as he entreated her not to despair; Edward might yet be saved.