The next morning she carefully avoided seeing him except in the presence of others, and the topics they were both dying to discuss remained unbroached until a messenger from the village, a servant of the inn, delivered a note to Revere. The admiral and Emily were on the porch with him when the missive was handed to him. Barry was busy at something down on the ship. He had reported to the admiral early in the morning that there were some repairs that he wished to make which would probably take him the whole of the day. However, nobody, unless it was the admiral, missed him, in which lay the pity of it all. Revere started with surprise as he glanced at the address on the envelope. "Why!" he exclaimed, involuntarily, "it is from my mother! Can it be possible that she is here?" "A lady guv it to me to bring to you," said the messenger. "She come to the tavern late last night, an' said as how she didn't want to disturb you until mornin'." "Your mother!" exclaimed Emily. "Why--what can she--how does it----" As she spoke Richard tore open the letter and glanced at its contents. "She has heard some garbled account of my adventure," he said to Emily, "and she was worried, and has come over here to see me. That's all." "Did she come alone?" "Er--no; not exactly." "Who is with her?" with dawning suspicion. "Miss Remington." "Oh!" with great surprise. "Well, I must go to her at once, I suppose," said Revere, doubtfully. "Of course," coldly and disdainfully. "My lad," said the admiral, "the inn is but a poor place for ladies of quality and gentlefolk to stay. Present my compliments to your mother and her young friend, and beg them to honor me by accepting our hospitality while they abide in this latitude. Tell them, I beg of you, that my age and infirmities prevent me from extending the invitation in person, but that my granddaughter will call upon them later and invite them in my behalf." "Oh, grandfather! I--I----" "My mother will be delighted to receive Miss Emily," broke in Richard, quickly. "I have no doubt that her plans contemplate remaining here longer than a day, and I think she will be glad to accept your hospitality. She will be honored, I am sure. Meanwhile, I must go. May I have your boat, Miss Emily? I suppose that is the quickest way to the village?" "Certainly, Mr. Revere." "And will you not walk down to the landing with me?" She hesitated, longing yet reluctant. "Of course she will. Go with him, Emily," said the admiral, decisively. "Richard," said the girl, as soon as they were out of earshot of the porch, "they have come about that letter." "Yes," answered Revere, dejectedly, forgetting in his confusion that they had arrived the night before; "I suppose so. I didn't think it possible that it could have reached them by this time. My man must have made good time. Oh, dear; what shall I do? Was ever innocent man placed in so miserable a position?"