The story revolves around a schoolmistress who lives on a small island with her niece and nephew. She receives a letter from the mainland stating that a ship has sunk, and she must prepare for survivors to arrive. The schoolmistress takes charge, organizing the villagers to provide aid and shelter to the expected survivors. As the night wears on, no one arrives, but the schoolmistress continues to wait, keeping the fires burning and the food warm.
By Edward Everett Hale · First published 1869 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Revenge, Satire