“I will.”
“Fresh scenes, fresh society; out of the island, by preference.”
“I'm willing.”
“She'll come back another woman.”
“I'll put up with the same one,” said Pete; and, while the company laughed, he flung open the door, and cried “Come in!” and half a dozen men who had been waiting outside trooped into the hall. They entered with shy looks because of the presence of great people.
“Now for a pull of jough, Nancy,” cried Pete.
“Not too much excitement either,” said the doctor, and with that warning he departed. The parson went with him. Philip had slipped out first, unawares to anybody. Grannie carried little Katherine to the kitchen, and bathed her before the fire. Kate was propped up with pillows in the armchair in the corner. Then Nancy brought the ale, and Pete welcomed it with a shout. Cæsar looked alarmed and rose to go.
“The drink's your own, sir,” said Pete; “stop and taste it.”
But Cæsar couldn't stay; it would scarcely be proper.
“You don't christen your first granddaughter every day,” said Pete. “Enjoy yourself while you're alive, sir; you'll be a long time dead.”