'We will send to Lerici,' said Lady Annabel.
'Instantly,' said Venetia; 'but I dare say they already sent us a
messenger.'
'No!' said Lady Annabel; 'men treat the danger that is past very
lightly. We shall not hear from them except in person.'
Time now flew more lightly. They were both easy in their minds. The
messenger was despatched to Lerici; but even Lerici was a considerable
distance, and hours must elapse before his return. Still there was the
hope of seeing them, or hearing from them in the interval.
'I must go out, dear mother,' said Venetia. 'Let us both go out. It
is now very fine. Let us go just to the ravine, for indeed it is
impossible to remain here.'
Accordingly they both went forth, and took up a position on the coast
which commanded a view on all sides. All was radiant again, and
comparatively calm. Venetia looked upon the sea, and said, 'Ah! I
never shall forget a white squall in the Mediterranean, for all this
splendour.'
It was sunset: they returned home. No news yet from Lerici. Lady
Annabel grew uneasy again. The pensive and melancholy hour encouraged
gloom; but Venetia, who was sanguine, encouraged her mother.
'Suppose they were not Englishmen in the boat,' said Lady Annabel.
'It is impossible, mother.
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