Her hair greyed and whitened, deep lines channeled her forehead, and her form grew gaunt and stooping.

But she still expected the lost ones, and when she met Emily on the staircase she would say morosely: 'I know why you've got me here! They'll come, and be disappointed at not finding me at home, and perhaps go away again; and then you'll be revenged for my taking Shadrach away from 'ee!' Emily Lester bore these reproaches from the grief-stricken soul.

She was sure--all the people of Havenpool were sure--that Shadrach and his sons could not return.

For years the vessel had been given up as lost.
Nevertheless, when awakened at night by any noise, Joanna would rise from bed and glance at the shop opposite by the light from the flickering lamp, to make sure it was not they.
It was a damp and dark December night, six years after the departure of the brig _Joanna_.

The wind was from the sea, and brought up a fishy mist which mopped the face like moist flannel.