The next morning Father Austin arrived.  Hilda was then made acquainted with her relationship to Haco, whose tender attentions during her late troubles had already won her unreserved affection.  The news was an inexpressible joy to her, and it was touching to see how she nestled in the deep embrace of her father, whose feelings, so long pent up, now at last found vent.  Jean absented himself during the day, but on the following morning insisted that his nuptials should no longer be deferred.  The same evening, in the little chapel of the nunnery, Austin bestowed his blessing on a union which had been sanctified by such special manifestations of Divine approval.

The readjustment of the shattered organization of the island was imperative.  The inhabitants of the eastern side, and those of the Vale, had for the most part preserved their lives by their absence from the forest; the Christian converts who had aided in the struggle were also safe; with these exceptions the island was practically depopulated.  Jean was elected chief by acclamation.  After giving such pressing directions as immediate exigencies required, he acceded to his wife’s ardent wish to obtain intelligence respecting Judith, and also to ascertain the fate of Tita.

The Lihou monks had already reported that all communication was broken between the Hanois and the shore, but that the tower appeared to be intact.  On an April morning Haco and the young couple sailed across Rocquaine Bay, and landed close to the tower, which now stood on a rugged and inhospitable island.  The door was opened by Tita, who smiled, and prattled, and caressed her young mistress like a lap-dog.  She recognised Jean with indifference, but a start, followed by a shudder, seized her when she observed Haco; her terror, however, seemed to pass away when he spoke a few soothing words to her.  It was evident that a shock, or a succession of shocks, had unsettled the poor woman’s brain.  On the name of Judith being mentioned, she pointed fearfully to the upper story.  Uncertain as to her meaning, Jean cautiously ascended the ladder, and ascertained that the sorceress was in truth there.  After a consultation it was decided that Haco and Hilda should seek her presence.

As father and daughter entered the apartment, they saw the old woman half-seated, half-lying, on a couch placed close to the window; her face, which was turned seaward, was haggard, the leanness bringing into strong relief the handsome chiselling of her profile; the sternness of her mouth was somewhat relaxed; there was an indication almost of softness in its corners.  Her high spirit had accepted, not resented, defeat.