CHAPTER IV
ABOARD THE S.S. MAJESTIC
Mrs. Harris was naturally a brave woman, but the telegram, and the sudden
separation perhaps forever from her husband and Gertrude, unnerved her.
She sank back into an easy chair on the steamer, murmuring, "Why this
terrible disappointment? Why did I not turn back with my husband? This is
worse than death. Mr. Harris is in great trouble. Why did I not at once
sacrifice all and share his misfortunes? How noble in Gertrude to go
ashore with her father. It is just like the child, for she is never happy
except when she forgets self, and does for others."
Mrs. Harris sobbed as if her loved ones had been left in the tomb.
Lucille tenderly held her mother's hand, and spoke comforting words:
"Cheer up, mother, all will yet be well. Father can now take Mr. Searles
to Harrisville."
"To see what, child--men misled and on a strike and the mills all closed
down! It means much trouble, and perhaps disaster for the Harrises."
"Oh, no, mother, all will soon be well. Let us go on the deck."
Alfonso led his mother, and Leo took Lucille up among the passengers.
They were just in time to see the white cloud of fluttering handkerchiefs
on the pier.
Pages:
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57