"We have prepared bomb-proof shelters for the women and
children, and I hope you will accept refuge in one."
She said something about her father.
"He shall be cared for. I hope you will let me send a sergeant with a
dozen men to convey you both to a place of safety."
She assented, and he left. Her face was still white, her chin was
quivering, and her eyes were growing moist.
"What's the matter, Morgianna?" asked Captain Lane.
She did not venture an answer, but running to her own room, fell weeping
on the couch.
"After five long years, to return so changed--so cold--oh, God, this
punishment is greater than I can bear!" she sobbed.
By the middle of the afternoon, the wind changed slightly, shifting to
the northeast, and some activity was evinced on board the _Xenophon_.
Fernando thought longer delay was dangerous. Captain Lane and his
daughter, with all other women and children, were conveyed to the
bomb-proof houses, which had been constructed for them. He was so busy
all that day, that he only caught an occasional glimpse of Morgianna.
When night came, the _Xenophon_ had left her moorings, and Fernando
predicted she would be brought in broadside to begin the cannonade at
daybreak. He retired to his bed at eleven o'clock and at four Lieutenant
Willard came to him and said: "Captain, the wind has shifted due east."
"How is the night?"
"Dark and cloudy.
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