“Ah! that is always the wisest course. The past is out of your reach, and cannot be recalled; the future may bring us unclouded sunshine, and a recompense for the past.”
“I am sure it’s very kind of you to take compassion on us, poor creatures,” observed Miss Jamblin, hardly knowing very well what to say.
“It is a pleasure—an indulgence—on your part to trust yourselves with so poor a waterman as myself,” returned the young man; “but say when you would like to go on shore.”
The ladies said they were in no hurry, and in about half an hour after this the boat was put in shore. The rower held the prow, and offered his arm to each lady as they alighted. He then left them to pay his respects to the master of Broxbridge.
“He’s very nice—isn’t he?” said Patty to her companion.
“Pretty well—middling,” returned Aveline.
“I do not quite understand all he says,” observed Miss Jamblin.
“Oh, you’ll understand his fine speeches and metaphors in good time—that is if you know him long enough. He’s well enough, but not altogether my sort.”
“Why, what’s the matter with him?” inquired the unsophisticated farmer’s daughter.”
“I don’t know that there’s anything particular the matter with him, but he’s artificial, that’s all.”