“There are only two persons who have the key to that door,” murmured Morrel, “Cocles and Julie.”
At this instant the second door opened, and the young girl, her eyes bathed with tears, appeared.
Morrel rose tremblingly, supporting himself by the arm of the chair. He would have spoken, but his voice failed him.
“Oh, father!” said she, clasping her hands, “forgive your child for being the bearer of evil tidings.”
Morrel again changed color. Julie threw herself into his arms.
“Oh, father, father!” murmured she, “courage!”
“The Pharaon has gone down, then?” said Morrel in a hoarse voice. The young girl did not speak; but she made an affirmative sign with her head as she lay on her father’s breast.
“And the crew?” asked Morrel.
“Saved,” said the girl; “saved by the crew of the vessel that has just entered the harbor.”
Morrel raised his two hands to heaven with an expression of resignation and sublime gratitude.
“Thanks, my God,” said he, “at least thou strikest but me alone.”
A tear moistened the eye of the phlegmatic Englishman.
“Come in, come in,” said Morrel, “for I presume you are all at the door.”
Scarcely had he uttered those words when Madame Morrel entered weeping bitterly.