There was the
eye of youth, lit up with the light of innocence, which when riper years
should have left their impress, might have given place to more of guile;
while hand in hand, along her peaceful decks, roamed old age and
infancy, alike joyous in the air of cheerfulness which reigned with
all around.
It was near the hour of mid-day, weather favorable, with the exception
of a fog which had suddenly sprung up. Occasionally the signal bell
sounded, that if any vessel were in their neighborhood, she might know
of their whereabouts. The fog as suddenly lifted as it had shut in upon
them, but to close down again heavier than before. Natalie had not, as
most of the ladies, gone below, but stood, intent upon those new
thoughts which the veil of fog, which had shut out all sight and sound,
save an occasional tone of the bell, had inspired, when,--a crash, which
shook their vessel from stem to stern, caused every one to look upon the
countenance of his fellow, there to read the words which he had no power
to utter. A propeller was at that instant seen moving athwart their
bows, and from the severity of the shock, it was thought that the
smaller vessel must have sustained serious damage.
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