Page:The crater; or, Vulcan's peak.djvu/461

 OR, VULCAN S PEAK. 221 on the wharves of Philadelphia within an hour of each other. Great was the commotion in the little town of Bristol at the return of all the Woolstons, who had gone off, no one knew exactly whither ; some saying to New Holland ; others to China; and a few even to Japan. The excite ment extended across the river to the little city of Bur lington, and there was danger of the whole history of the colony s getting into the newspapers. The colonists, how ever, were still discreet, and in a week something else occurred to draw the attention of the multitude, and the unexpected visit was soon regarded like any other visit. Glad enough, notwithstanding, were the near relatives of Bridget and Anne, in particular, to see those two fine young women again. Neither appeared much more than a twelve month older than when she went away. This was owing to the delicious, yet not enervating climate, in which both had lived. They were mothers, and a little more matronly in appearance, but none the less lovely ; their children, like themselves, were objects of great interest, in their re spective families, and happy indeed were the households which received them. It in no degree lessened the satis faction of any of the parties, that the travellers had all re turned much better off in .their circumstances than when they went away. Even the two younger Woolstons were now comfortable, and early announced an intention not to return to the islands. As for the ex-governor, he might be said to be rich ; but his heart was still in the colony, over the weaknesses of which his spirit yearned, as the indulgent parent feels for the failings of a backsliding child. Never theless, Bridget was persuaded to remain with her father a twelvemonth longer than her husband, for the health of the old gentleman had become infirm, and he could not bear to part with his only child so soon again, after she had once been restored to his arms. It was, therefore, decided, that Mr. Mark Woolston should fill the Rancocus with such articles as were deemed the most useful to the colo ny, and go back in that vessel, leaving his wife and chil dren at Bristol, with the understanding he would return and seek them the succeeding summer. A similar arrange ment was made for the wife and children of Captain Betts, 19*