They were much depressed and very anxious, and had what Charlotte defined "a homeless feeling." "But you must be biddable, Charlotte," said the rector; "you must remain here until Stephen returns.

Ducie had business that could not wait, and who but Stephen should drive her?
When he comes back, we will all look to it.

You shall not be very long out of your own home; and, in the mean time, how welcome you are here!" "It seems such a weary time, sir; so many months that we have been in trouble." "It was all night long, once, with some tired, fearful ones 'toiling in rowing;' but in the fourth watch came Christ and help to them.

It is nigh hand--the 'fourth watch'-- with you; so be cheerful." Yet it was the evening of the sixth day before Ducie and Stephen returned.

It was still raining heavily, and Ducie only waited a moment or two at the rectory gate.