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She held the light so that it
shone upon Mary's face.
"Are you asleep?" she said.
"No, mother."
"Are you unwell?"
"No, mother,--only a little tired."
Mrs. Scudder set down the candle, and shut the door, and, after a
moment's hesitation, said,--
"My daughter, I have some news to tell you, which I want you to prepare
your mind for. Keep yourself quite quiet"
"Oh, mother!" said Mary, stretching out her hands towards her, "I know
it. James has come home."
"How did you hear?" said her mother, with astonishment.
"I have seen him, mother."
Mrs. Scudder's countenance fell.
"Where?"
"I went to walk home with Cerinthy Twitchel, and, as I was coming back,
he came up behind me, just at Savin Rock."
Mrs. Scudder sat down on the bed and took her daughter's hand.
"I trust, my dear child," she said. She stopped.
"I think I know what you are going to say, mother. It is a great joy,
and a great relief; but of course I shall be true to my engagement with
the Doctor."
Mrs. Scudder's face brightened.
"That is my own daughter! I might have known that you would do so.


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