“Madam, you are very good. Your most generous offer has taken me by surprise; and well as I should like to accept it, I am not sure that it would be right for us to profit by your extraordinary kindness,” said Barbara, with emotion. “I do beseech you, my dear girl, not to hesitate, not to entertain the least scruple upon this subject. I assure you that your return to the Headland will be a personal satisfaction.” “Again I thank you from the depths of my heart, lady; but I cannot gain my own consent at once to take advantage of your kind offer. It would seem too selfish and grasping on my part.” “Take time, then, my dear girl; but remember this the while, that at _all_ times the sight of your sail near the Headland, or your face within its doors, can bring nothing but pleasure to its lessee.” “I thank you earnestly, dear lady; and I promise you that whenever I return from a voyage, whether I spend much time with you or not, my sail shall be seen off the Headland, and my face within your doors,” said Barbara, gratefully, and once more she had made a move to go. “Stay yet a moment. I wish to depart immediately for that house.” “Before it is repaired, Madam?” “Yes—before it is repaired. If it were barely habitable for you and your brothers, it is also habitable for me; and I can superintend the repairs on the spot. I suppose workmen can be found in the neighborhood?” “There is _no_ neighborhood, dear lady; but workmen can be had from the village of Eastville.” “Very well—that will answer my purpose. Now tell me, Miss Brande, do you know of any vessel about to sail that could take us there?” “The Sea Mew will sail to-morrow, with the first tide, for Havana. They have accommodations for passengers, but no passengers, I think. She is a good ship. If you were ready to sail in her, Captain Brewster could put you on shore at the Headland.” “I will go, if I can get a berth. Miss Brande, could you do me the great favor of letting your brother ascertain whether I can get one?” “I have not the least doubt that you can secure a berth; but I will assure myself as to the fact from Captain Brewster himself, who boards at the Ocean House; and I will send Willful to let you know.” “I thank you very much.” “There is one thing I should tell you—two things, indeed: first, it is necessary that you should take a supply of provisions down with you, as there is no store nearer to the Headland than Eastville—secondly, that if you go at all, you should go on board _to-night_.” “I thank you for your careful instructions, Miss Brande, and shall endeavor to follow them.” “I will now take leave of you, lady, as no time should be lost in seeing Captain Brewster and securing a berth. Good-bye, Madam.” “Good-bye, for the present. If I go, I shall see you again this evening; if I do not go, I shall see you frequently during our stay.”