the feeling which produced that blush was concerned; but,
certain it is, that the thought that Roswell had exerted himself to oblige
_her_ uncle, obtruded itself somewhat vividly among her other
recollections.

"Well, sir," the niece resumed, after another brief pause, "we can send
for Roswell, if you think it best, and ask him to do the poor man this act
of kindness."

"Your messengers after doctors are always in such a hurry! I dare say,
Gar'ner would think it necessary to hire a horse to cross Shelter Island,
and then perhaps a boat to get across to the Harbour. If no boat was to be
found, it might be another horse to gallop away round the head of the Bay.
Why, five dollars would scarce meet the cost of such a race!"

"If five dollars were needed, Roswell would pay them out of his own
pocket, rather than ask another to assist him in doing an act of charity.
But, no horse will be necessary; the whale-boat is at the wharf, and is
ready for use, at any moment."

"True, I had forgotten the whale-boat. If that is home, the doctor might
be brought across at a reasonable rate; especially if Gar'ner will
volunteer. I dare say Daggett's effects will pay the bill for attendance,
since they have answered, as yet, to meet the Widow White's charges. As I
live, here comes Gar'ner, at this moment, and just as we want him."

"I knew of no other to ask to cross the bays, sir, and sent for Roswell
before you returned. Had you not got back, as you did, I should have taken
on myself the duty of sending for the doctor."

"In which case, girl, you would have made yourself liable. I have too many
demands on my means, to be scattering dollars broadcast. But, here is
Gar'ner, and I dare say all will be made right."

Gardiner now joined the uncle and niece, who had held this conversation in
the porch, having hastened up from the schooner the instant he received
Mary's summons. He was rewarded by a kind look and a friendly shake of the
hand, each of which was slightly more cordial than those that prudent and
thoughtful young woman was accustomed to bestow on him. He saw that Mary
was a little earnest in her manner, and looked curious, as well as
interested, to learn why he had been summoned at all. Sunday was kept so
rigidly at the deacon's, that the young man did not dare visit the house
until after the sun had set; the New England practice of commencing the
Sabbath of a Saturday evening, and bringing it to a close at the
succeeding su