s morning. They used to play me to sleep, before baby came. I used
to think of so many things. I wanted to see you."

"Things cannot ever be thought out, after all, Vesty; but if the boys
can play one to sleep--well, that is best."

She took my hand; the tenderness in her eyes covered their pity. I
felt no sting. "I feel safe when you will come sometimes," she said;
"you are so strong--so strong!" She touched my hand admonishingly; it
was as though she lifted me.

"I misjudged your husband, Vesty; rather, I did not know him. He is a
good lad, this Gurdon."

"Oh, he is!" A dream swept over her face, as dreams will; the mad
birds whistling "love" down by the sea-wall, the gay waters
flashing--Notely Garrison.

"And so the father plays him to sleep? Many a duke would give half his
possessions for a boy like that!"

She buried her face rapturously beside him for a moment, then turned to
me calmly:

"What do you know of Notely?" she said.

"Only what rumor knows, what may have been told you. His wife found no
enduring attractions in this locality, you know: they have built a
summer place at Bar Harbor; his wife and his mother and Mrs. Langham,
it is said, are all devoted to his happiness. He has a fine yacht now,
and is sometimes seen skipping by off shore. He is gifted in address
and with the pen. His name is seen often."

Vesty listened hungrily.

"Have you seen him? Is he happy?"

"I saw him only as he was passing me, with some of his companions; they
had come ashore to see the old Garrison place. He looked very happy."

"Then I am glad!" said Vesty of the Basins, clasping her hands. I
looked at her; if he was happy she was utterly glad.

"He will be a great man," she said: "he is already famous, that _is_ to
be great."

"As Christ went down the Lonesome Road,"

sang Uncle Benny, who was voluntary housekeeper at Vesty's during some
hours of the day, while the father and boys were away at the fishing:

"As Christ went down the Lonesome Road--
Sail away to Galilee.
He left the Crown and He took the Cross!
Sail away to Galilee.
Sail away to Galilee--
Oh, He left the Crown and He took the Cross--
Sail away to Galilee!"

He came forward to take the baby, who had awakened before he began to
sing. The Basin matrons ran in very much, but there was no "Vesty" to
enter and take the continued care, in this case, until the young mother
should be strong again.

"Y