Madame Dort's heart leapt in her bosom when she saw the old gentleman enter the parlour.
But, the shipowner's face did not look as if he brought any pleasing news; and, after one brief glance at his countenance, the widow's fell in sympathy.

She almost anticipated the evil tidings which she was certain he had in store for her.
"Madame Dort," he began, "pray compose yourself." "I am quite calm, Herr Grosschnapper," she answered.

"Go on with what you come to tell me.

You have heard something of my poor boy Eric; is it not so ?" "It is, madame," replied the merchant, deceived by her composure.

"I grieve to say that I have received intelligence through the English house of Lloyd's that the _Gustav Barentz_ foundered at sea in the Southern Ocean early this year.