CHAPTER XXII.
The wars are over, The spring is come; The bride and her lover Have sought their home: They are happy, we rejoice; Let their hearts have an echo in every voice! LORD BYRON.
Never did months revolve more slowly, than through that winter, to the impatient Stanhope.

During its inclemency, all communication with the French settlements ceased, and he, of course, heard nothing of Lucie,--a suspension of intercourse which was almost insupportable.

By the earliest approach of spring, however, the traders and fishermen again adventured their barks on the stormy bay of Fundy, and the icy shores of Newfoundland.

Boston harbor, which had been sealed, for several months, by the severe cold, then characteristic of the climate, was freed by the bright sun and genial gales of that vernal season.

Numerous vessels floated on its dancing waves; and all around, the adjacent shores were teeming with sights and sounds of rural industry.
It was shortly rumored, that M.d'Aulney was preparing to attack fort St.John's; some even affirmed, that his vessels had already been seen, hovering near the entrance of the river.