A few of the men who escaped from the wreck of Stanhope's vessel had returned to St.John's, and confirmed the report of that disaster; but they were ignorant of any events which afterwards took place, either with regard to him, or La Tour.

Lucie endeavoured to support the irksome suspense, with something of that equanimity which her aunt invariably exhibited.

But she was less practised in this species of self-control; and the silence, which Madame de la Tour preserved respecting Stanhope, increased her uneasiness and depression.

She had never alluded to him, except in some casual remark, since the evening of his departure; and Lucie had no reason to believe her sentiments respecting his attachment were at all changed.

Pride and delicacy restrained her from entering on a theme, which was so pointedly shunned; but she felt wounded by a reserve that she had never before experienced; and the silence imposed on her, only gave more activity to her thoughts, which were perpetually engrossed by a subject, so closely connected with her happiness.Mad.de la Tour's conduct towards her was in every other respect unchanged; her affection and confidence undiminished; and Lucie fancied she could discern, in this, the influence of her guardian's prejudices, or, perhaps, a prohibition which her aunt would not venture to disregard.
Two or three days of gloomy weather had confined Madame de la Tour almost entirely to her own apartment; tidings long expected were still delayed; and, in spite of every effort, the disappointment and anxiety evidently depressed her spirits.