“Never fear; the people on the river know that I have my discharge, and I’m safe enough.”
“Have you seen Mary!”
“Yes, and all’s right in that quarter. I shall build another wherry, wear my badge and dress, and stick above bridge. When I’m all settled, I’ll splice, and live along with the old couple.”
“But will Mary consent to live there? It is so quiet and retired that she won’t like it.”
“Mary Stapleton has given herself airs enough in all conscience, and has had her own way quite enough. Mary Beazeley will do as her husband wishes, or I will know the reason why.”
“We shall see, Tom. Bachelors’ wives are always best managed, they say. But now you want money to buy your boat.”
“Yes, if you’ll lend it to me; I don’t like to take it away from the old people; and I’ll pay you when I can, Jacob.”
“No; you must accept this, Tom; and when you marry you must accept something more,” replied I, handing the notes to him.
“With all my heart, Jacob. I never can repay you for what you have done for me, and so I may just as well increase the debt.”
“That’s good logic, Tom.”