Mrs. Bruce’s eyes could be best described as busy. There was nothing subtle about her glances. She made it quite evident that nothing escaped her, and the trim exactness of her dress and appearance seemed to match her observations.
“It seems good to be back in Fairport,” she went on. “One summer’s absence is quite enough, though I plan to slip away just for a little while to take a look at the Yellowstone this year.”
“That so? Should think you’d had travelin’ enough for one spell,” rejoined Hiram.
“Oh, it’s an appetite that grows with what it feeds on, Captain Salter. I dare say you have been a rover, too. I know how all you sea-captains are.”
“No’m. My line’s ben fish, mostly.”
“And,” added Mrs. Bruce, “taking care of us poor land-lubbers in summer. My son was well satisfied with your sale of his boat. I don’t know whether he will get another this summer or not. You’ll be here as usual, I hope?”
“Looks that way.”
“I’m glad. I’m positively attached to the Gentle Annie.”
“Haven’t got her no more,” returned Hiram quietly. “I’ve parted with her.”