“I am fortunate in having a little money which, in Sweetapple Cove, stretches out to a fairly important income, so that I am able to invest in futures, if that be the proper financial term.  In the meanwhile I am having a rather good time,” I answered.

For quite a while she remained silent, seeming to be engaged in profound calculations.  After this she again watched the waters and the rugged coast, and the birds wheeling and screaming over shoals of fish.

We soon neared the entrance to Sweetapple Cove and Miss Jelliffe looked at it with renewed interest.  Beyond those fierce ramparts with their cruel spurs dwelt men and women, most of whom she probably considered to be among the disinherited ones of the earth, eking out a bare living from hand to mouth.

“Isn’t it too bad that they should all have to strive so hard for the little they get,” she said, suddenly.

“They do it willingly and bravely, Miss Jelliffe,” I said.  “Here as elsewhere, of course, the rain falls on the just and the unjust, and usually spoils their fish.”

When we landed some men came out of the fish-houses, for the time of the midday meal was at hand.  I called for volunteers to bring a hand barrow.

“Who’s got a bed in his house that I can put Dick Will in for a few days, till he gets better?” I asked.

A number of offers were forthcoming at once.  Finally he was carried away, with two sturdy men at the handles, while others walked alongside, supporting the patient in a sitting posture.  He had begun by protesting.

“I is sure I kin walk now, if ye’ll let me try,” he said.

“You must do just as you are told,” Miss Jelliffe admonished him.  “You and I know nothing about these things and we must obey the doctor.  You know he is ever so proud of your arm and you mustn’t dare to run chances of spoiling his beautiful work.”

“No, ma’am, not never,” he declared, properly ashamed of himself and quite aghast at the prospect.

The procession caused some excitement in the village, and doubtless much discussion on the part of the good women.  I have no doubt that some of them lectured their husbands severely for their failure to offer suitable inducements.  They are always eager to be helpful.

“We has three beds i’ th’ house,” the lucky contender had announced, proudly.  It was only very late in the afternoon that I discovered the domicile to be tenanted by three adults and seven children, most of whom now cheerfully curl up on the floor.  This, however, is never considered as a hardship by a Newfoundlander.  To him anything softer than a plank is luxury.

When I saw Miss Jelliffe back to her house she asked me to come in for lunch.  I thanked her and assured her that I would accept her kind invitation another time, as I had to go at once to another patient.

And so Miss Jelliffe turns out to be an exceedingly womanly young woman, which, after all, is the only kind we poor imperfect men are able to admire.  When the chance came for her to show courage and sympathy she seized upon it instinctively.  I am sure Dora would be ever so fond of her, and I wish that they could meet one another.