So here they dwelt absolutely helpless and alone, occupying themselves with superintending the agriculture of the island.

Most fortunately also when she was captured, Mrs.Eversley had a small Bible in her possession which she had never lost.

From this she was able to teach her child to read and all that is to be learned in the pages of Holy Writ.
Often I have thought that if I were doomed to solitary confinement for life and allowed but one book, I would choose the Bible, since, in addition to all its history and the splendour of its language, it contains the record of the hope of man, and therefore should be sufficient for him.

So at least it had proved to be in this case.
Oddly enough, as she told us, like her husband, Mrs.Eversley during all those endless years had never lost some kind of belief that she would one day be saved otherwise than by death.
"I always thought that you still lived and that we should meet again, John," I heard her say to him.
Also her own and her daughter's spirits were mysteriously supported, for after the first shock and disturbance of our arrival we found them cheerful people; indeed, Miss Hope was quite a merry soul.

But then she had never known any other life, and human nature is very adaptable.
Further, if I may say so, she had grown up a lady in the true sense of the word.