The Exiles

Hazel cannot get the memory of Evangeline falling overboard out of her head. The events run quickly together—Buck’s shove, her screams, Doctor Dunne preparing to jump overboard to save Evangeline until the captain forbids him from doing so. For years after, Hazel dreams of Evangeline sinking beneath the waves. But Evangeline’s baby still exists, and Hazel and Doctor Dunne work together to care for the little girl. Knowing Olive just lost her own baby, Hazel brings her in as a wet nurse to give the girl the best chance at survival. Doctor Dunne allows them to stay on the surgical floor until they reach Hobart Town.

It surprises Hazel that she misses Evangeline so much—because she barely knew her—but “Evangeline was the only person in her life who had been wholly kind” (204) to her. No one else had shown Hazel any type of love or affection in her life—even her own mother. She feels a pull to care for the child because they are both alone.

Though Buck tries to claim self-defense, Doctor Dunne and Hazel both stand up for Evangeline. The captain sentences Buck to 30 lashes and the remainder of his time at sea spent in the hold.