“It is social for him here, to say the least,” said the doctor, as he turned and walked alone to the shop. He opened the door and went in. It was a long, low lean-to, such as farmers often furnish for domestic work with a carpenter's bench, a grindstone, and a few simple tools. It was lighted by three square windows above the bench. An air-tight stove, projecting its funnel through a hole in one of the panes, gave out a cheerful crackling. Eph, in his shirt-sleeves, his hands in his pockets, was standing, his back against the bench, surveying, with something of a mechanic's eye, the frame of a boat which was set up on the floor. He looked up and colored slightly. The doctor took out a cigarette, lit it, sat down on the bench, and smoked, clasping one knee in his hands and eying the boat. “Centre-board?” he asked, at length. “Yes,” said Eph. “Cat-rig?” “Yes.” “Going fishing?” “Yes.” “Alone?” “Yes.” “I was brought up to sail a boat,” said the doctor, “and I go fishing in summer--when I get a chance. I shall try your boat, some time.” No reply. “The timbers aren't seasoned, are they? They look like pitch-pine, just out of the woods. Won't they warp?” “No. Pitch-pine goes right in, green. I s'pose the pitch keeps it, if it's out of the sun.” “Where did you cut it?” Eph colored a little. “In my back lot.” The doctor smoked on calmly, and studied the boat. “I don't know as I know you,” said Eph, relaxing a little. “Good reason,” said the doctor. “I 've only been here two years;” and after a moment's pause, he added: “I am the doctor here, now. You 've heard of my father, Dr. Burt, of Broad River?” Eph nodded assent; everybody knew him, all through the country,--a fatherly old man, who rode on long journeys at everybody's call, and never sent in his bills. The visitor had a standing with Eph at once. “Doctors never pick at folks,” he said to himself--“at any rate, not old Dr. Burt's son. “I used to come here to see your mother,” said the doctor, “when she was sick. She used to talk a great deal about you, and said she wanted me to get acquainted with you, when your time was out.” Eph started, but said nothing. “She was a good woman, Aunt Lois,” added the doctor; “one of the best women I ever saw.” “I don't want anybody to bother himself on my account,” said Eph. “I ask no favors.” “You will have to take favors, though,” said the doctor, “before the winter is over. You will be careless and get sick; you have been living for a long time entirely in-doors, with regular hours and work and food. Now you are going to live out-of-doors, and get your own meals, irregularly. You did n't have on a thick coat the other night, when I saw you at the store.” “I haven't got any that's large enough for me,” said Eph, a little less harshly, “and I 've got to keep my money for other things.”