“Never more in earnest in my life; but get out your plans an’ papers, secretary, an’ explain ’em.”
Jeff rose, left the room, and returned with a business-like bundle of papers, which he untied and arranged on the table before him. Taking up one, he said—
“This is a list of the poor people in Cranby, in whom Miss Millet has been accustomed to take special interest. The first on the list is old Susan Jenkins.”
“My dear old woman, who has been bedridden so long, and in such terrible poverty?” asked Miss Millet.
“The same,” answered Jeff. “Captain Millet has succeeded in getting her admission into the hospital for incurables. We have only just received intimation of the appointment; and as the old woman does not know of it yet, we thought it best to let you be the bearer of the news.”
“Oh, brother!” exclaimed Miss Millet, clasping her hands in delight. She knew now that the captain was in earnest, for he would sooner have cut off his own hand than trifle with her feelings.
“Go on, secretary,” cried the captain, taking a considerable swig of tea, “an’ don’t you interrupt, Molly, else we’ll never get through.”
“The next name is Martha Brand.”
“What, ragged little Martha?” exclaimed Miss Millet.
“The same. A new rig-out has been ordered for Martha, and she is to be sent to school. Joe Puncheon, better known as Vagabond Joe, has been apprenticed to a carpenter—by his own special desire—and goes to work on Monday next in a suit of suitable clothes.”