his hat as
he passed the Sea-flower, involuntarily repeating her words,--words
which many times have been idly spoken, but how full of meaning.

As that gallant steamship made her way over the rolling billows, like
"a thing of life," as if indeed she recognized the course o'er which she
had so many times borne aloft her proud head, in seasons of tempest as
well as of sunshine, there was not one who walked her decks, but looked
upon her gigantic form as an ark of safety, rather than the frail plank
which only separated not far from three hundred immortal beings from an
ocean grave. Several days' sail left "merrie England" far behind, and as
they drew nearer the American shores, many an eye was deluded with the
belief that it had been the successful one, in being the first to make
the outline of the nearest shore of this land of the free. There was the
eye of youth, lit up with the light of innocence, which when riper years
should have left their impress, might have given place to more of guile;
while hand in hand, along her peaceful decks, roamed old age and
infancy, alike joyous in the air of cheerfulness which reigned with
all around.

It was near the hour of mid-day, weather favorable, with the exception
of a fog which had suddenly sprung up. Occasionally the signal bell
sounded, that if any vessel were in their neighborhood, she might know
of their whereabouts. The fog as suddenly lifted as it had shut in upon
them, but to close down again heavier than before. Natalie had not, as
most of the ladies, gone below, but stood, intent upon those new
thoughts which the veil of fog, which had shut out all sight and sound,
save an occasional tone of the bell, had inspired, when,--a crash, which
shook their vessel from stem to stern, caused every one to look upon the
countenance of his fellow, there to read the words which he had no power
to utter. A propeller was at that instant seen moving athwart their
bows, and from the severity of the shock, it was thought that the
smaller vessel must have sustained serious damage. Accordingly a boat
was lowered from the steamer, under command of the first officer, to
render the unfortunates such assistance as was in their power, believing
their own damages to be but slight; but the boat had not been long gone,
when word was passed to their captain that they were in a sinking
condition. Upon examination it was found that a large breakage had been
made, directly under their bows, and the