appeared even more attractive than when pointed out to me by the
mate of the steamboat. They were very old, very weather-stained and
covered with honeysuckle. Flat stones in a setting of grass led
from the gates to the arched doorways, hollyhocks rose above hedges
of box, and from the verandas one could look out upon the busy
harbor and the houses of New Bedford rising in steps up the sloping
hills to a sky-line of tree-tops and church spires. The mate had
told me that for what he had rented a flat in New York he had
secured one of these charming old world homes. And as I passed them
I began to pick out the one in which when I retired from the world
I would settle down. This time I made no alterations. How much the
near presence of Miss Briggs had to do with my determination to
settle down in Fairharbor, I cannot now remember. But, certainly as
I crossed the bridge toward New Bedford, thoughts of her entirely
filled my mind. I assured my self this was so only because she was
beautiful. I was sure her outward loveliness advertised a nature
equally lovely, but for my sudden and extreme interest I had other
excuses. Her in dependence in earning her living, her choice in
earning it among books and pictures, her pride of family as shown
by her efforts to buy the family heirloom, all these justified my
admiration. And her refusing to go joy-riding with an impertinent
stranger, even though the impertinent stranger was myself, was an
act I applauded. The more I thought of Miss Briggs the more was I
disinclined to go away leaving with her an impression of myself so
unpleasant as the one she then held. I determined to remove it. At
least, until I had redeemed myself, I would remain in New Bedford.
The determination gave me the greatest satisfaction. With a light
heart I returned to the office of the steamboat line and retrieving
my suit-case started with it toward the Parker House. It was now
past five o'clock, the stores were closed, and all the people who