Women shrieked and cried aloud in helpless terror.

The voice of the first officer could be heard above the din, endeavouring to atone by courage and coolness in the actual disaster for his recklessness in causing it.

Passengers rushed on deck half clad, and waited for their turn to take places in the boats.
It was a time of terror, turmoil, and hubbub.

But, in the midst of it all, Hilda turned to me with infinite calm in her voice.

"Where is Sebastian ?" she asked, in a perfectly collected tone.