"I suppose it does. I wish I could go with you, but someone needs to look after the children."
"I'm sorry-"
"Don't apologize, dear. Reverend Crane brought me here to take care of the children. I never should have relied so much on you and Prudence. You were just children yourselves. I suppose I was weak." She patted Samantha's shoulder. "I'm sorry I didn't help you find your parents sooner. But will you promise me one thing?"
"What is it?"
"Don't leave tonight. I would hate to think of you out there on that sea at night."
Samantha nodded. "All right. I'll leave in the morning."
"Thank you, dear. Now, let's go. It's almost time for dinner."