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the loss of a husband by a most “disconsolate” wife, “in the highest the lowest, the loneliest spot, all sought him wildly, but found him not! [“]
After many tears & much pathetic lament, the object of our search was discovered quietly reading a book behind one of the paddle boxes, & he was as much surprised as we were amused at his wife’s fond recognition & congratulation. The sea was so calm and the ladies were so courageous that we remained on deck until the dew of night descended rather heavily. We sat or rather reclined all four of us on the bow of our vessel, singing glees & watching the receding coast of North Foreland, & the dashing spray ploughed up & turned over to receive the moon’s illumination. At 10 o’clock we descended & I slept soundly in my berth until I was aroused by the steward’s shaking me violently & informing me that we were alongside the pier at Ostend.
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SUNDAY JULY 23 The ladies had passed a sleepless night, for Davies Gilbert's family occupied their sofas & being indisposed they did not want to disturb them. It was half past 2 when we arrived at our hotel at Ostend, the Ship near the quay, in good time therefore to enjoy a night’s or rather morning’s rest. I went out to bathe before breakfast & paddled about in the sea among ladies in long gowns & gentlemen in short ones. The machines are indiscriminately
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