Dr. Vaudelier reclined on the cushions in the stern-sheets of his boat.
With an abstracted mind he gazed upon the gloomy outlines of the shore.
Nature in this sombre dress seemed in unison with the gloom of his own
soul. Scarcely conscious of his actions, he managed the boat with the
most consummate skill, avoiding the unseen shoal and the unfavorable
current, but still never allowing the sails to shiver. Far ahead of him
he descried the blazing chimneys of a steamer. It was night, and he was
secure from the prying gaze or the rude hail of the voyagers.
His reflections were gloomy. He reviewed his earlier years. He thought
of his affectionate daughter, who had promised to be the stay of his
declining years, perhaps at that moment a wanderer and an outcast. He
had heard nothing of her since her departure. He had made no effort to
ascertain her fate. He considered his whole course of conduct to her,
the nature of the education he had imparted to her, the example he had
set for her imitation. His reflections were not altogether satisfactory,
and kindled a few compunctious thoughts.
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