"I think it would. I intend going by-and-by up the island, and will take care to arrange that first, and also about the reception of the boat when it does arrive."
Mrs. Costello looked up anxiously.
"Are you going quite to the other end of the island?" she asked.
"Yes; to your old house. The woman who lives there is very ill, and, you know, I am doctor and parson both in one."
"Will you take me with you?"
"You! Impossible! You would be frozen to death."
"It would not hurt me; and I confess I have so little control of myself to-day that sitting here quietly by the fire is just the hardest thing I could have to do."
Mr. Strafford examined her face, and perceived that she had really grown painfully nervous and excited. He turned to Lucia.
"What do you think?" he asked. "Ought I to say yes or no?"
"Say yes, please, and let me go too."