I knew nothing but the dry particulars needed for my lawyer's
quest, but I could not help feeling for the desolate woman; and she
must have read the unusual sympathy with her wistful eyes.
'Yes, sir, we did. She never knew how I loved her; and we parted
unfriends; and I fear me that I wished her voyage might not turn
out well, only meaning, — O, blessed Virgin! you know I only meant
that she should come home to her mother's arms as to the happiest
place on earth; but my wishes are terrible — their power goes
beyond my thought — and there is no hope for me, if my words
brought Mary harm.'
'But,' I said, 'you do not know that she is dead. Even now, you
hoped she might be alive. Listen to me,' and I told her the tale I
have already told you, giving it all in the driest manner, for
