Neither could find anything to say against it; but Mrs.Costello looked anxiously at him while he explained that he meant to take a good boatman with him and burn a bright light.

Then she held out her hand to him to express the thanks she had no words for.
They found Mrs.Hall unhappy at their absence, and ready to do everything possible for their comfort; but it was not until she had seen Mr.Strafford push off from the landing-place that Mrs.Costello could be induced to lie down and rest.
Then there was nothing more to be done, and she submitted readily; and so great was her exhaustion that she almost instantly fell asleep.

Lucia and Mrs.Hall sat watching her, and two hours passed before she woke.
At last, she moved, and Lucia was glad to see that her face was less pale than when she lay down, and that she looked up at her with a smile.
"Is Mr.Strafford come back ?" she said.

"He will bring us good news, I think." "He has not come yet," Lucia said; but almost as she spoke, footsteps were heard outside.

Mrs.Hall hurried to open the door, and Mr.
Strafford came in.
"They are safe ?" Mrs.Costello asked.
"Yes; all three.