they obtained a sufficient view to satisfy them that Lancresse
Common no longer formed a portion of the mainland; an hour afterwards,
entering the Grand Havre, they saw an unbroken channel between that
inlet and St. Sampson's: every trace of the invading host had
disappeared. Jean was soon in Hilda's arms; and the two lovers, with
Haco, spent the remainder of the day in pious thanksgiving to the Holy
Mother by whose special interposition, testified so miraculously to the
maiden, the cause of Christ had triumphed and the parted had been
reunited, when the last gleam of safety seemed to have been
extinguished.

The next morning Father Austin arrived. Hilda was then made acquainted
with her relationship to Haco, whose tender attentions during her late
troubles had already won her unreserved affection. The news was an
inexpressible joy to her, and it was touching to see how she nestled in
the deep embrace of her father, whose feelings, so long pent up, now at
last found vent. Jean absented himself during the day, but on the
following morning insisted that his nuptials should no longer be
deferred. The same evening, in the little chapel of the nunnery, Austin
bestowed his blessing on a union which had been sanctified by such
special manifestations of Divine approval.

The readjustment of the shattered organization of the island was
imperative. The inhabitants of the eastern side, and those of the Vale,
had for the most part preserved their lives by their absence from the
forest; the Christian converts who had aided in the struggle were also
safe; with these exceptions the island was practically depopulated. Jean
was elected chief by acclamation. After giving such pressing directions
as immediate exigencies required, he acceded to his wife's ardent wish
to obtain intelligence respecting Judith, and also to ascertain the fate
of Tita.

The Lihou monks had already reported that all communication was broken
between the Hanois and the shore, but that the tower appeared to be
intact. On an April morning Haco and the young couple sailed across
Rocquaine Bay, and landed close to the tower, which now stood on a
rugged and inhospitable island. The door was opened by Tita, who smiled,
and prattled, and caressed her young mistress like a lap-dog. She
recognised Jean with indifference, but a start, followed by a shudder,
seized her when she observed Haco; her terror, however, seemed to pass
away when he spoke a few soothing words to h