ld purchases as were
necessary, that she might not go out again and leave True alone.

On the occasion alluded to, Willie accompanied them as far as the
provision shop; and, having seen True comfortably seated, proceeded to
the Wharf, while Gerty stepped up to the counter to bargain for the
dinner. She purchased a bit of veal suitable for broth, gazed wistfully
at some tempting summer vegetables, turned away and sighed. She held in
her hand the wallet which contained all their money; it had now been in
her keeping for some weeks, and was growing light; it was no use to
think about the vegetables; and she sighed, for she remembered how True
enjoyed the green peas last year. "How much is the meat?" asked she of
the butcher, who named the sum. It was _so little_ that it almost seemed
to Gerty as if he had seen into her purse, and her thoughts too, and
knew how glad she would be that it did not cost any more. As he handed
her the change, he leaned over the counter, and asked, in an undertone,
what kind of nourishment Mr. Flint was able to take.

"The doctor said any wholesome food."

"Don't you think he'd relish some green peas? I've got some first-rate
ones, fresh from the country; and, if you'd think he'd eat 'em, I should
like to send you some. My boy shall take round half-a-peck or so, and
I'll put the meat right in the same basket."

"Thank you," said Gerty; "he likes green peas."

"Very well! Then I'll send him some beauties;" and he turned away to
wait upon another customer, so quick that Gerty thought he did not see
how the colour came into her face and the tears into her eyes. But he
_did_ see, and that was the _reason_ he turned away so quickly.

True had an excellent appetite, enjoyed and praised the dinner
exceedingly, and, after eating heartily of it, fell asleep in his chair.
The moment he awoke, Gerty sprung to his side, exclaiming, "Uncle True,
here's Miss Emily!--here's dear Miss Emily come to visit you."

"The Lord bless you, my dear, dear young lady!" said True, trying to
rise from his chair and go towards her.

"Don't rise, Mr. Flint; I beg you will not," said Emily, whose quick ear
perceived the motion. "From what Gerty tells me, I fear you are not
able. Please give me a chair, Gerty, nearer to Mr. Flint."

She drew near, took True's hand, but looked inexpressibly shocked as she
observed how tremulous it had become.

"Ah, Miss Emily," said he, "I'm not the same man as when I saw you last;
the