This altered the formation, but we will now revert to the events as they transpired on the shore, with a view to relate them more in their regular order.
It is scarcely necessary to say that Bluewater must have remained on, or about the cliffs several hours, in order to witness the departure of so many of the vessels.

Instead of returning to the Hall at the dinner hour, agreeably to promise, he profited by the appearance of Wycherly, who left the cottage with a flushed, agitated manner, just as he was thinking of the necessity of sending a message to Sir Reginald, and begged the young man to be the bearer of his excuses.

He thought that the change in the weather rendered it necessary for him to remain in sight of the sea.

Dutton overheard this message, and, after a private conference with his wife, he ventured to invite his superior to appease his appetite under his own humble roof.

To this Bluewater cheerfully assented; and when the summons came to the table, to his great joy he found that his only companion was to be Mildred, who, like himself, for some reason known only to her own bosom, had let the ordinary dining hour pass without appearing at table, but whom her mother had now directed to take some sustenance.
"The late events at the Hall have agitated the poor child, sir," said Mrs.Dutton, in the way of apology, "and she has not tasted food since morning.