"But then we shall have to stay here all night."
"Here, on the sloop, you mean? The night is far gone already."
"Not half!" said Elizabeth. "It's only a little past twelve."
"Aren't you tired?"
"I suppose so, but I don't feel it."
"Don't you want to take some sleep before morning?"
"No, I can't. But you needn't walk there to take care of me,
Mr. Winthrop. I shall be quite safe alone."
"No, you will not," he said; and going to some of the sloop's receptacles, he drew out an old sail and laying it on the deck by her side he placed himself upon it, in a half sitting, half reclining posture, which told of some need of rest on his part.
"You are tired," she said earnestly. "Please don't stay here for me!"
"It pleases me to stay," he said lightly. "It is no hardship, under ordinary circumstances, to pass such a night as this out of doors."