“I don’t say as you will.  But I shall get your room ready this afternoon, and no later.”

“No, nurse, you must not do that.”

“Tell’ee I shall.  Then, whether you come or not, there ’tis.  And when they put on you, you have no call to fret.  Says you, ’There’s my room awaiting, and likewise my welcome, too, at Dame Wilson’s; I don’t need to stand no more nonsense here than I do choose,’ says you.  Dear heart! even a little foolish, simple thought like that will help keep your sperrit up.  You’ll see else—­you’ll see.”

“Oh, nurse, how wise you are!  You know human nature.”

“Well, I am older than you, miss, a precious sight; and if I hadn’t got one eye open at this time of day, why, when should I, you know?”

After this, a little home-made wine forcibly administered, and then much kissing, and Lucy rode away revivified and cheered, and quite another girl.  Her spirits rose so that she proposed to Kenealy to extend their ride by crossing the country to ——.  She wanted to buy some gloves.

“Yaas,” said the assenter; and off they cantered.

In the glove-shop who should Lucy find but Eve Dodd.  She held out her hand, but Eve affected not to observe, and bowed distantly.  Lucy would not take the hint.  After a pause she said: 

“Have you any news of Mr. Dodd?”

“I have,” was the stiff reply.

“He left us without even saying good-by.”

“Did he?”

“Yes, after saving all our lives.  Need I say that we are anxious, in our turn, to hear of his safety?  It was still very tempestuous when he left us to catch the great ship, and he was in an open boat.”

“My brother is alive, Miss Fountain, if that is what you wish to know.”

“Alive? is he not well? has he met with any accident? any misfortune? is he in the East Indiaman? has he written to you?”

“You are very curious:  it is rather late in the day; but, if I am to speak about my brother, it must be at home, and not in an open shop.  I can’t trust my feelings.”

“Are you going home, Miss Dodd?”

“Yes.”

“Shall I come with you?”

“If you like:  it is close by.”

Lucy’s heart quaked.  Eve was so stern, and her eyes like basilisks’.

“Sit down, Miss Fountain, and I will tell you what you have done for my brother.  I did not court this, you know; I would have avoided your eye if I could; it is your doing.”

“Yes, Miss Dodd,” faltered Lucy, “and I should do it again.  I have a right to inquire after his welfare who saved my life.”

“Well, then, Miss Fountain, his saving your life has lost him his ship and ruined him for life.”

“Oh!”

“He came in sight of the ship; but the captain, that was jealous of him like all the rest, made all sail and ran from him:  he chased her, and often was near catching her, but she got clear out of the Channel, and my poor David had to come back disgraced, ruined for life, and broken-hearted.  The Company will never forgive him for deserting his ship.  His career is blighted, and all for one that never cared a straw for him.  Oh, Miss Fountain, it was an evil day for my poor brother when first he saw your face!” Eve would have said more, for her heart was burning with wrath and bitterness, but she was interrupted.