But after Rose had told him the story of their journey, of Anne’s courage when they believed themselves prisoners in the house in the woods, and had said that it was really Amanda Cary’s fault more than Anne’s that she had run away, Mr. Nelson was quite ready to forgive her.
“I am glad indeed that my little girl has a good friend in Mrs. Pierce,” said Mr. Nelson, after he had read Aunt Anne Rose’s letter, “but I think we must go to Province Town at the first opportunity.”
Anne now felt that there was nothing to wish for. With her dear father safe on shore, and the prospect of soon sailing away to Province Town she was quite happy.
“You must make Rose a fine present, Anne,” he said one day as they came down King Street.
“I heard her say once that she hoped some day to have a gold ring,” replied Anne.
“You shall give her one,” said Mr. Nelson.
“I’ll give it to her when I say good-bye,” said Anne as they walked toward home.
“That may be to-morrow,” responded Mr. Nelson, “for Mr. Freeman says that not a boat from Truro, Wellfleet or Province Town has come in to Boston for a week, so if the wind favors, ’tis like to-morrow will give us a chance for a passage.”
Rose was on the porch, and as she watched Anne come up the path thought to herself that she would be very lonely without the little maid from Province Town.
“Captain Starkweather from Province Town is at father’s wharf,” she said, “and I had half a mind to tell him not to take any passengers back to Province Town, for father says he will start back when the tide serves very early to-morrow morning.”