'Why, Peter!—who would have thought they could have fitted so well; and how very apropos they look. A sailor boy, he is now—is he not, Peter?'
'All but the shoes, please you, madam.' And Peter, not having his hat on, touched his queue.
'Oh, well; I think master Sam will be much pleased with the shoes, especially as he is on shore now. But let him come here—give me the neckerchief, Susie.'
Susie walked to the table, and brought the little parcel and placed it in her mother's hand.
'Here is a present from Susie; she has hemmed it herself, and I suppose ought to honor you by tying it on; but as she is a little bashful about it, I must do it for her.'
Sam was too much confounded to make any opposition; but his flushed countenance told how he felt.
'I suppose I cannot put it on after true sailor fashion, but I believe it must have a single tie, and hang loose, in this style. Will that do, Peter?'
'That's the thing, madam.'
'What shall I ever do for you, ma'am, you are so good to me?'
'Oh, perhaps you will do a great deal for us yet; and you know, my dear boy, that we are under obligations to you we cannot soon get rid of.'