"I do thank God, brother James," he answered reverently, uncovering his head. "But, to be grateful to God's creatures is, so far, giving thanks to Him! How often have you told me this?"
"You are right," answered James gently, "but see, your mother needs assistance!"
Mabel had risen, and was making ready to step from the boat. Ralph turned, flung one arm around her.
"Lean on me, dear mother. Lay your head on my shoulder; don't mind the weight; I can carry you, if needful!"
Mabel submitted herself to the affectionate guidance of her son, with a sigh of pleasure, and proceeded towards the house.
CHAPTER XI.
GENERAL HARRINGTON IS SHOCKED.
The rigid ideas of female propriety which General Harrington enforced in his family, had been greatly outraged that day. This well-regulated home was thrown into disorder by the unaccountable absence of his wife and Lina from the tea-table. He had followed his wife to the bank of the river, and with a feeling of quiet indignation had watched her rowing her own boat down the stream like a wild gipsy. The gathering storm and the danger she was in scarcely impressed him, but the impropriety of the thing outraged all his fastidiousness.
Still he was glad to have her away for the brief time that he was in the hills, and but for her long absence this escapade on the river might have been forgiven.
A solitary evening, added to these causes of discontent, had greatly ruffled the general's equanimity of temper, and when his wife appeared deep in the night, her clothes in disorder, her hair disarranged, and her face pale as death, he felt her return in this state as a positive insult to his house.