"Thank you, Sir George. I am glad to know. These little plants are very dear to me."
"You must not make too much of them," he said gently. "And how do you like your new house?"
"Better every day. The floors of those rip-saw planks have all been laid, and it is such a comfort. I don't know how to thank you for having the carpenters make them for us."
"My dear, they are just getting their hands in. They may have to rip the floor boards for the fort for all we know. Latimer tells me that the nearest sawmill is on the east side of the lake a hundred and fifty miles away; and when we can get them by boat from there is a question."
"I may consider myself very fortunate, then."
"Indeed you may."
"And the Bumble Bee sails—"
"To-morrow, I think. It was badly damaged in that ice storm, and our men have repaired it in return for Latimer's services."
At this moment Dr. Beaumont joined them.
"Latimer tells me," he said, "that the wind indicates a brisk land breeze, and he purposes sailing to-night."