In Search of the Castaways

n doing good. His kindheartedness was even greater than his generosity, f

try people?” asked Lady Helena.“No, madame,” replied the steward, “I do not know them at all. They came by rail to Balloch, and walked the rest of the way to Luss.”“Tell them to come up, Halbert.”In a few minutes a girl and boy were shown in. They were evidently brother and sister, for the resemblance was unmistakable. The girl was about sixteen years of age; her tired pretty face, and sorrowful eyes, and resigned but courageous look, as well as her neat though poor attire, made a favorable impression. The boy she held by the hand was about twelve, but his face expressed such determination, that he appeared quite his sister’s protector.The girl seemed too shy to utter a word at first, but Lady Helena quickly relieved her embarrassment by saying, with an encouraging smile: “You wish to speak to me, I think?”“No,” replied the boy, in a decided tone; “not to you, but to Lord Glenarvan.”V. IV Verne“Excuse him, ma’am,” said the girl, with a look at her brother.“Lord Glenarvan is not at the castle just now,” returned Lady Helena; “but I am his wife, and if I can do anything for you —”“You are Lady Glenarvan?” interrupted the girl.“I am.”“The wife of Lord Glenarvan, of Malcolm Castle, that put an announcement in the TIMES about the shipwreck of the Britannia?”“Yes, yes,” said Lady Helena, eagerly; “and you?”“I am Miss Grant, ma’am, and this is my brother.”“Miss Grant, Miss Grant!” exclaimed Lady Helena, drawing the young girl toward her, and taking both her hands and kissing the boy’s rosy cheeks.“What is it you know, ma’am, about the shipwreck? Tell me, is my father living? Shall we ever see him again? Oh, tell me,” said the girl, earnestly.“My dear child,” replied Lady Helena. “Heaven forbid that I should answer you lightly such a question; I would not delude you with vain hopes.”“Oh, tell me all, tell me all, ma’am. I’m proof against sorrow. I can bear to hear anything.”“My poor child, there is but a faint hope; but with the help of almighty Heaven it is just possible you may one day see your father once more.”The girl burst into tears, and Robert seized Lady Glenarvan’s hand and covered it with kisses.As soon as they grew calmer they asked a complete string of questions, and Lady Helena recounted the whole story of the document, telling them that their father had been wrecked on the coast of Patagonia, and that he and two sailors, the sole survivors, appeared to have reached th