“Indeed! But, yes, of course, when I come to remember, I know there must be. And you will really endow this child?” “Yes, Dr. Willet, and——” “Well, my dear?” “I wish to see Commodore Bruce myself on this subject.” “You do! Oh, I am delighted to hear you say that you will see him on _any_ subject! He will be so rejoiced to know that you live that I believe it will add years to his own lease of life.” “That is very pleasant to hear. Yet I do not see why the aged commodore should take such a great interest in me! Why, indeed, he should take _any_ interest now,” said the lady thoughtfully. “I think it is from a morbid compunction—almost remorse.” “‘Remorse?’” “Yes, Emolyn! For on the last night before his son Leonidas embarked on that fatal voyage from which he never returned the boy, moved by some prophetic spirit, implored his father to watch over YOU—his own lifelong playmate and companion. The father gave less heed to this parting prayer than he afterwards had reason to suppose he should have done; and he has fostered a morbid remorse of which he has only very lately made me the confidant. He will be so glad to know that you still live, dear Emolyn, that he will be likely to yield to any wish of yours, even to the consenting that his nephew and heir shall marry the overseer’s daughter.” “Heaven grant it,” she breathed in tones so low, so full of controlled emotion, that the doctor turned and regarded her with surprise. He could not know the depths of bitter memory in her bosom that had been stirred by the name of Leonidas Bruce. “You take this girl’s interests very deeply to heart. No doubt you will be able to influence the old commodore in their favor. Shall I bring him here to see you to-morrow?” he inquired. “No, no, for he is aged, and, as I have heard from Emolyn Palmer, unwilling ever to stir from his home. No; but I will ask you, Dr. Willet, to take me to see him. Will you do so?” “Most willingly, my dear young friend. When shall I have the pleasure? To-morrow? Next day? When?” “Can I not go to-day? Accompany you when you return?” inquired the lady. “Assuredly you can if you wish! I shall be very happy to have you. Young Bruce and I rowed ourselves here, and we shall be very glad to row you back with us.” “How soon do you return? Do not think me inhospitable; for I know, of course, by your bringing Lieutenant Bruce, that you did not intend to give _us_ the pleasure of your company all day, and I only wished to know if you were going directly to The Breezes, or intending to keep on to Gray Rock?” said the lady with a deprecating smile. “Oh, I understand perfectly, and so I am not sensitive! We are going directly back to The Breezes, my dear lady, and will be happy to take you with us,” said the doctor.