"Because the birds will come, the flowers bloom again, but the summer that has gone never will return; the opportunities of to-day will not be here to-morrow. I must make the most of the present, not only for myself but for others. Providence bestows rich gifts; I must give to others." "Thank you, Mr. Walden." She was silent. None of the officers, not Major Evelyn or any of the captains of his majesty's troops, ever had uttered such words in her presence. Oh, could she but know if he were the one who rescued her from the hands of the miscreants! She must know. "Mr. Walden, may I ask if we have not met before?" "I think we have, Miss Newville." "I thought so, but was not sure. May I say I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the service you rendered me yesterday. I never shall forget it. I have not mentioned it, not even to my parents, for I would not have them concerned in the future for my welfare." "I can understand how anxious they might be, and I appreciate your prudence. The incident, I understand, is making some stir in town, especially among the soldiers. Doctor Warren has just informed me of it, and was kind enough to say it would be well for me to be on my guard, as the soldiers threaten retaliation. I learn, also, that no one as yet has been able to discover who the young lady was. People are wondering that no complaint has been made to the proper authorities by her or her friends." "Oh, I am so glad that no one knows it except ourselves. May I not ask that it shall be our secret, and ours only?" "Most certainly, Miss Newville." "I cannot express my obligation to you, Mr. Walden. It is very honorable in you, and you will not let the soldiers injure you?" she said inquiringly. "I do not think they will molest me. I shall not put myself in their way, neither shall I avoid them. I am a free citizen; this is my country. I know my rights, and I trust I shall ever be enough of a man to resent an insult to myself, and most certainly to a lady." "Do you remain long in town?" she asked. "No; only a day or two--over Sunday. I shall start from the Green Dragon for home next Monday morning." "Do you have melocotoons in Rumford?" she asked, looking up to the luscious fruit, ripening above them. "Not yet; we have some young trees, but they are not in bearing." "I should like to send a basket of fruit to your sister, if agreeable to you. Pompey will take it to the tavern Monday morning." "You are very kind. I will take it with pleasure, and you may be sure Rachel will appreciate your goodness." He comprehended her proposition,--that it was her delicate way of giving emphasis to her thanks for what he had done. "Mr. Walden, I shall always be pleased to see you. I would like to hear more about what you see in nature, and the sermons that are preached to you." Berinthia and Major Evelyn joined them. The band had ceased playing, and the last of the guests were departing.