During his absence of two summers and a winter, which made up the term of a Newfoundland 'spell,' many unlooked-for changes had occurred within the quiet little seaport, some of which closely affected Roger the sailor.

At the time of his departure his only sister Edith had become the bride of one Stocker, a respectable townsman, and part owner of the brig in which Roger had sailed; and it was to the house of this couple, his only relatives, that the young man directed his steps.

On trying the door in Quay Street he found it locked, and then observed that the windows were boarded up.

Inquiring of a bystander, he learnt for the first time of the death of his brother-in-law, though that event had taken place nearly eighteen months before.
'And my sister Edith ?' asked Roger.
'She's married again--as they do say, and hath been so these twelve months.

I don't vouch for the truth o't, though if she isn't she ought to be.' Roger's face grew dark.