“You are at liberty to remain here until you receive word,” said the cautious Hon. Nathaniel.
“I appreciate your great kindness,” said the Captain, “but I must visit New York and Chicago at an early day.”
“How much will supply your present need?” asked the lawyer.
“I had expected my trip would cost me at least five hundred dollars.”
“If you will give me your note at thirty days I will let you have the five hundred. I will bring it down to-morrow night.”
On the second day following, the Captain took an apparently very reluctant departure.
A week later Quincy and Alice were in Boston making preparations for their trip to Fernborough.
“I am going to buy the tickets this morning, Alice—we must have seats in a parlour car. How shall we go—to Cottonton or Eastborough Centre?”
“To Eastborough surely,” said Alice. “We will drive over the old road. Do you remember the day that you took me to see Aunt Heppy Putnam after her husband died?”
“Alice, every day I passed at Mason's Corner near you was like Heaven to me, and, now, for a week or more I mean to live in Paradise again. What a joy it will be to see the old scenes and faces, hear the familiar voices, and remember the happy days we have had there.”