"Do you remain long in Harpswell?" she asked.
"That depends on circumstances," he replied. "If I do, may I be permitted to visit you?"
"As a friend—yes," said Mara; "I shall always be happy to see you."
"No more?"
"No more," replied Mara.
"I had hoped," he said, "that you would reconsider."
"It is impossible," said she; and soft voices can pronounce that word, impossible, in a very fateful and decisive manner.
"Well, God bless you, then, Miss Lincoln," he said, and was gone.
Mara stood in the doorway and saw him loosen his boat from its moorings and float off in the moonlight, with a long train of silver sparkles behind.
A moment after Moses was looking gloomily over her shoulder.