book of travels, John, very improving too. Take it home, Hugh, and read it.
If you find in it no improprieties, it may be recommended to your father."
She loved nothing better than to tease him.

"I see not what harm there could be in travels," he returned. "Thou hast my
leave. Gainor, what is this I hear? Thou wouldst have had me sell thee for
a venture threescore hogsheads of tobacco from Annapolis. I like not to
trade with my sister, nor that she should trade at all: and now, when I
have let them go to another, I hear that it is thou who art the real buyer.
I came hither to warn thee that other cargoes are to arrive. Thou wilt
lose."

Aunt Gainor said nothing for a moment, but let loose the linen safeguard
petticoat she wore against mud or dust when riding, and appeared in a rich
brocade of gray silken stuff, and a striped under-gown. When she had put
off her loose camlet over-jacket, she said, "Will you have a glass of
Madeira, or shall it be Hollands, John? Ring the bell, Hugh."

"Hollands," said my father.

"What will you give me for your tobacco to-day, John?"

"Why dost thou trifle?" he returned.

"I sold it again, John. I am the better by an hundred pounds. Two
tobacco-ships are wrecked on Hinlopen. An express is come. Have you not
heard?"

"Farewell," he said, rising. He made no comment on her news. I had an idea
that he would not have been unhappy had she lost on her venture.