They sat together on the hearth, more silent than seemed natural to persons thus united, when a footstep upon the crisp leaves brought a smile to Mrs. Gray's face.
"I thought there was a sound of wheels," she said, eagerly. "It is Robert come back from the ferry—how he will be surprised!"
"Not now!" said Jacob Strong. "I would rather not see him to-night—do not tell him that I am here!"
"But he will stay all night!" pleaded Mrs. Gray, whose kind heart was overflowing with the hope of presenting the youth to his uncle without delay.
"So much the better; I can see something of him without being known. Where does that door lead?"
"To a spare bed-room!"
"His bed-room?"
"No. Robert will sleep up stairs in his own chamber—he always does."
"Very well, I will take that room; say nothing of my return. When he is in bed I will come out again."
"Dear me, how strange all this is—how can I keep still?—how can I help telling him?" murmured the good woman, half following Jacob into the dark bedroom; "I never kept a secret in my life. He will certainly find me out."