hollow among the sand-hills where the cradle of the boat was, fine

rushes grew, and tufts of ragwort, and stalks of last year's thistles,

and sea-osiers where the spring oozed down. Through these the white

ribs of the rising boat shone forth like an elephant's skeleton; but

the builder entertained some hope, as well as some fear, of being

unperceived.

But a far greater power than his own was here. Curved and hollow ships

are female in almost all languages, not only because of their curves and

hollows, but also because they are craft--so to speak.

"Oh, Captain Tugwell, are you at work still? Why, you really ought to

have gone with the smacks. But perhaps you sent your son instead. I

am so glad to see you! It is such nice company to hear you! I did not

expect to be left alone, like this."

"If you please, miss, it isn't father at all. Father is gone with the

fishing long ago. It is only me, Daniel, if you please, miss."

"No, Daniel, I am not pleased at all. I am quite surprised that you

should work so late. It scarcely seems respectable."

At this the young man was so much amazed that he could only stare while

she walked off, until the clear duty of righting himself in her good

opinion struck him. Then he threw on his coat and ran after her.

"If you please, Miss Dolly--will you please, Miss Dolly?" he called, as

she made off for the stepping-stones; but she did not turn round, though

her name was "Miss Dolly" all over Springhaven, and she liked it. "You

are bound to stop, miss," he said, sternly; and she stopped, and cried,

"What do you mean by such words to me?"

<<BackPagesTo menuNext>>