At last the island lay before them like a line of gold. He rowed swiftly for it. Soon they landed on the glittering strand. It was here they parted. “And—be kind to my little Agnes!” he whispered, as he took leave of the old lady. “Now, Agnes,” he said, as he folded her to his bosom and pressed his first and farewell kiss upon her lips. Then he sprang into the boat and struck out to sea in the direction of his vessel, riding at anchor at about a half league’s distance, and which was to sail with the tide. “Come, Agnes,” said Miss Joe, kindly taking her arm to draw it within her own. “Not yet—not just yet! And, if you please, just let me watch until the boat gets out of sight.” “Honey, it will put your eyes out to try to look upon this sparkling sea. Come; breakfast is waiting for us, I know.” “I wish he had only stayed to breakfast with us! I could have parted with him better then, if I had known he had eaten a good, warm breakfast.” “The tide wouldn’t wait, you know, child, and he will get his breakfast on board his vessel. Why, what’s the matter, Agnes? I do believe you like him already! I do believe you’re sorry he’s gone!” “He was my only friend! Since father died I was getting used to him,” said Agnes, bursting into tears. “Well, I declare to man, if it is not wonderful! All them Huttons had never seemed to value woman’s love—have every one of them always got more than they deserved. Come, Agnes; the boat is quite out of sight now; come home and take a cup of coffee, child; it will cheer you up.” “Do you think he is safe on board of his vessel yet?” “Oh, yes, of course! Come, a cup of coffee is first-rate for trouble—’cause, you see, I’ve tried it! Come, honey!” And Miss Joe drew Agnes’ arm within her own and walked up the isle toward the cottage. CHAPTER IX. HUTTON LODGE. A snug thatch house; before the door a green; Hens in the middling; ducks and geese are seen; On this side stands a coop; on that a pen; A wood-pile joins. _—Allan Ramsay._ Hutton Lodge, on Hutton’s Island, had been built in the palmy days of the family’s prosperity. It was to this lodge that Captain Hugh Hutton of Revolutionary memory had retired with his sole female relative, his sister-in-law, Miss Josephine Cotter. And here, after his death, had the good woman continued to live. And here was Hugh Hutton’s home whenever his ship would be in port. And finally, it was to this lodge, or cottage, as he called it, that Miss Joe conducted her young charge, the widowed bride.