of the
complexion common to those whose lives are passed on the bluffs and
beaches of an ocean isle. He extended the four quarters of his face
in a genial smile, and his hand for a grasp of the same magnitude. She
gave her own in surprised docility, and he continued:

'I couldn't help coming across to meet 'ee. What an unfortunate thing
you missing the boat and not coming Saturday! They meant to have
warned 'ee that the time was changed, but forgot it at the last
moment. The truth is that I should have informed 'ee myself, but I was
that busy finishing up a job last week, so as to have this week free,
that I trusted to your father for attending to these little things.
However, so plain and quiet as it is all to be, it really do not
matter so much as it might otherwise have done, and I hope ye haven't
been greatly put out. Now, if you'd sooner that I should not be seen
talking to 'ee--if 'ee feel shy at all before strangers--just say.
I'll leave 'ee to yourself till we get home.'

'Thank you much. I am indeed a little tired, Mr Heddegan.'

He nodded urbane acquiescence, strolled away immediately, and minutely
inspected the surface of the funnel, till some female passengers of
Giant's Town tittered at what they must have thought a rebuff--for the
approaching wedding was known to many on St Maria's Island, though to
nobody elsewhere. Baptista coloured at their satire, and called
him back, and forced herself to commune with him in at least a
mechanically friendly manner.

The opening event had been thus different from her expectation,
and she had adumbrated no act to meet it. Taken aback she passively
allowed circumstances to pilot her along; and so the voyage was made.

It was near dusk when they touched the pier of Giant's Town, where
several friends and neighbours stood awaiting them. Her father had a
lantern in his hand. Her mother, too, was there, reproachfully glad
that the delay had at last ended so simply. Mrs Trewthen and her
daughter went together along the Giant's Walk, or promenade, to the
house, rather in advance of her husband and Mr Heddegan, who talked in
loud tones which reached the women over their shoulders.

Some would have called Mrs Trewthen a good mother; but though well
meaning she was maladroit, and her intentions missed their mark. This
might have been partly attributable to the slight deafness from which
she suffered. Now, as usual, the chief utterances came from her lips.

'Ah, yes, I'm