"It would come handy, though, to have a man around to see to things and
kind o' provide, wouldn't it, though?" persisted Captain Ben.

"Some might think so," replied Mrs. Keens, stopping her wringer to
reflect a little. "But I haven't any wish to change my situation," she
added, decidedly, going on again with her work.

"Sure on 't?" persisted the Captain.

"Certain," replied the widow.

Captain Ben sighed. "I thought ma'be you was having a hard row to hoe,
and I thought like enough--"

_What_ he never said, excepting by a beseeching glance at the cheerful
widow, for just then an interruption came from some people after
bathing-suits.

So Captain Ben moved off with a dismal countenance. But before he had
gone far it suddenly brightened. "It might not be for the best," quoth
he to himself, "Like enough not. I was very careful not to commit
myself, and I am very glad I didn't." He smiled as he reflected on his
judicious wariness. "But, however," he continued, "I might as well
finish up this business now. There is Rachel Doolittle. Who knows but
she'd make a likely wife? Lyddy sot a good deal by her. She never had a
quilting or a sewing bee but what nothing would do but she must give
Rachel Doolittle an invite. Yes; I wonder I never decided on her before.
She will be glad of a home sure enough, for she haves to live around, as
it were, upon her brothers."