Ben turned towards Harrington, and, without regard to the presence of Agnes, spoke his mind.
"I don't like the cut of things up yonder, somehow. The woman looks like a female Judas Iscariot. She's eager but not kind. The madam is better off here with the old tree to warm her."
Agnes kept her eyes steadily on Ben as he spoke; when he had finished, she laughed.
"You are complimentary to my mammy!" she said, "I will tell her your opinion. But have your own way. We have offered hospitality to the lady in good faith—if she prefers other shelter, I dare say we shall find the means of reconciling ourselves to her wishes and to your very flattering opinion, Mr. Boatman."
Ben threw back his right foot and made the young lady a nautical bow, accompanied with an overwhelming flourish of the hand.
"Delighted to hear as you and the old woman is agreeable. Now if you'd just as lieves, we'll try and get madam down to the boat; I've just bailed it out. The river may be a trifle roughish yet, but there's no danger."
Ben directed this portion of his speech to Mr. James Harrington, who stood by in silence, without appearing to regard the conversation.
He now stepped forward, and stooping over Mabel, inquired if she was willing, and felt strong enough to attempt a return home by water.
"Yes," answered Mabel, sitting up and striving to arrange her dress, "I am stronger now—take me home by all means. General Harrington will be terrified by my absence, and Lina—dear, dear Lina, how grateful she will be to have her mother back again!"
"And your son!" said Harrington gently.