It seemed as though circumstances played into his hands. Tobias was conceited enough perhaps to believe that he really was foredoomed to act the part of matchmaker. At any rate, there was Lorna on the shore when the Marybird drifted in to her moorings, the site of which was marked by a nail keg.
Tobias picked up the bight of the anchor cable and looped it upon a becket, taking a turn or two for safety. Then he drew up the dory, put aboard his purchases, locked the Marybird's cabin, and sculled ashore. Lorna smiled upon him.
"Nice day, Lorny."
"So it is, Mr. Bassett. Didn't Mr. Degger come home with you?"
"Oh, sugar! I forgot all about him, didn't I? Did you want to see him partic'lar, Lorny?"
"Just wanted somebody to play with," she confessed.
"Wal! wal! you air to be pitied," he said. "Won't Ralph do?"
She made him a little face, but flushed too.
"Ralph Endicott is no fun any more. He's as grouchy as a sore-headed bear."
"I want to know!"