The ladies were busying themselves about various domestic tasks, and little May was amusing herself with an uncouth wooden doll which Bob had constructed for her. Lance was a prime favourite with May, so the moment that he entered the doll was flung into a corner, and the child came bounding up to him joyously exclaiming—
“Oh, you funny Mr Evelin, how is it that you have not gone with my papa? Did you stay at home on purpose to play with me?”
“Well, not exactly, little one,” answered Lance, catching her in his arms and tossing her high in the air, to her infinite delight. “Not exactly; although a man might be worse employed than in amusing you, you mischievous little fairy. No; I am going to papa presently—and would you like to come with me, May, in a nice little boat?”
“I don’t know,” answered the child doubtfully. “How far is it? I don’t think I like boats.”
“No, you poor little mite, I expect not; it would be wonderful if you did after what you have suffered in them,” remarked Lance, holding the child now in his arms, while she played with his long beard. “But we shall not have very far to go, pet; only over to that big rock,” pointing out of the window, “and I will take great care of you.”
“And shall I see my papa?” inquired May.
“Oh, yes,” was the reply; “you will be with him all day. And Robert is over there too, you know; and I daresay he will play with you if you ask him prettily.”
“Then I’ll go,” she decided promptly; and forthwith went away to her mother with the request that her hat and jacket might be put on, “’cause I’s going with Mr Evelin to see papa,” as she explained.
“I daresay you are somewhat surprised to see me here,” remarked Lance, as he replaced his tiny playfellow on the floor. “The fact is that I have been watching the departure of the brig; and the idea has occurred to me that now she is gone, and so many of the remaining men are away at the shipyard all day, you ladies may with, I believe, perfect safety indulge in the unwonted luxury of a daylight walk. You all stand greatly in need of fresh air and exercise; and I really think there is now no cause to fear any molestation, otherwise I should not of course suggest such a thing. It will never do, you know, for you to remain cooped up here day after day—you will get low-spirited and out of health; and I am inclined to believe it will be rather a good idea than otherwise to accustom these fellows to the sight of you moving freely and fearlessly about.”
The ladies were quite unanimous in their cordial welcome to this suggestion, Blanche only venturing to add in a whisper, and with a pleading look—