Unable to obtain any further information, Wenlock jumped into the first
boat returning on shore. He bethought him that he would at once go to
his friend, Dr Van Erk, who would be more likely than any one else to
give him information. He inquired for his house. Wealth will do much.
While others were lodged in huts, the doctor had already secured a
comfortable residence for his family. Wenlock hurried towards it, but
before he reached it he met the doctor. After they had greeted each
other, he told him of whom he was in search.

"Come, my young friend, and perhaps we may find them." The doctor took
his arm and led him along till they reached a somewhat highly-pointed
but very neat cottage.

"There, whom do you see there?" he asked, pointing through the window.
There were four ladies, two old ones and two young. One of them was
Gretchen. She was close to the window, so he saw her first; but beyond
her,--yes, there was no doubt about it, there sat Mary Mead. They were
engaged in their work, so they did not see him.

"Stay," said the doctor, "I forgot. A certain friend of yours has been
telling them that you are dead; that he has had news of it; and it might
agitate them somewhat, if you were to appear suddenly. I will go in and
prepare them." Wenlock stood outside, hid by the porch. He heard first
Master Mead's rich voice utter a note of surprise, and then several
female voices. He thought he could distinguish Mary's. It was very
low, though. Master Mead was the first to come out and welcome him, and
in a few seconds he was in the presence of Mary and Gretchen and the two
old ladies.

"My dear sister, I am so thankful," exclaimed Gretchen, bestowing a kiss
on Mary, "that he has been restored to you." Whatever doubt Master Mead
had before, as to bestowing his daughter on Wenlock, it was set at rest
by the appearance of the elder Wenlock Christison, who very speedily
satisfied all prudential scruples, by informing the worthy father of his
intentions regarding his nephew.

While the party were assembled, _a head was put into the door_. It was
quickly withdrawn.

"Oh! it is that odious Jonas Ford," said Gretchen. "I am sure he never
comes here to speak truth."

"Nay; but we should not think harshly of a friend," observed Mead.

"I do not think over harshly," answered Gretchen. "If ever there was a
sleek hypocrite, that man is one." Time showed that Gretchen was right,
although Wenlock escaped the