Edward’s, on the contrary, rose at his absence.  The only one, cognisant of his shame and ill-doing, was gone.  A new life lay before him, the opening of which was made agreeable to him, by the position in which he found himself placed, as a cabin-passenger; with many comforts provided for him; for although Maggie’s wants had been the principal object of Mr. Buxton’s attention, Edward was not forgotten.

He was soon among the sailors, talking away in a rather consequential manner.  He grew acquainted with the remainder of the cabin-passengers, at least those who arrived before the final bustle began; and kept bringing his sister such little pieces of news as he could collect.

“Maggie, they say we are likely to have a good start, and a fine moonlight night.”  Away again he went.

“I say, Maggie, that’s an uncommonly pretty girl come on board, with those old people in black.  Gone down into the cabin, now; I wish you would scrape up an acquaintance with her, and give me a chance.”

CHAPTER XI.

Maggie sat on deck, wrapped in her duffel-cloak; the old familiar cloak, which had been her wrap in many a happy walk in the haunts near her moorland home.  The weather was not cold for the time of year, but still it was chilly to any one that was stationary.  But she wanted to look her last on the shoals of English people, who crowded backward and forward, like ants, on the pier.  Happy people! who might stay among their loved ones.  The mocking demons gathered round her, as they gather round all who sacrifice self, tempting.  A crowd of suggestive doubts pressed upon her.  “Was it really necessary that she should go with Edward?  Could she do him any real good?  Would he be in any way influenced by her?” Then the demon tried another description of doubt.  “Had it ever been her duty to go?  She was leaving her mother alone.  She was giving Frank much present sorrow.  It was not even yet too late!” She could not endure longer; and replied to her own tempting heart.

“I was right to hope for Edward; I am right to give him the chance of steadiness which my presence will give.  I am doing what my mother earnestly wished me to do; and what to the last she felt relieved by my doing.  I know Frank will feel sorrow, because I myself have such an aching heart; but if I had asked him whether I was not right in going, he would have been too truthful not to have said yes.  I have tried to do right, and though I may fail, and evil may seem to arise rather than good out of my endeavor, yet still I will submit to my failure, and try and say ‘God’s will be done!’ If only I might have seen Frank once more, and told him all face to face!”