Old Mary Read online

days used to call me 'Mary'and my husband 'Bob Eury' instead of 'Mrs. Eury' and 'Captain Eury.' Andnow, so many, many years have gone... and now I am 'Old Mary'... and Ithink I like it better than Mrs. Eury. And so Captain Packenham has notforgotten me?"

  Denison hastened to explain. "Indeed he has not. He remembers you verywell, and would have come with me, but he is putting the schooner on thebeach to-day to clean her. And I am sure he will be delighted to comeand see you to-morrow."

  "Of course he must. Surely every English and American in the South Seasshould come and see me; for my husband was ever a good friend to everysailor that ever sailed in the island trade--from Fiji to the Bonins.There now, I won't chatter any more, or else you will be too frightenedto come back to such a garrulous old creature. Ah, if God had but sparedto me my eyesight I should come with you into the mountains. I lovethe solitude, and the sweet call of the pigeons, and the sound ofthe waterfall at the side of Taomaunga. And I know every inch ofthe country, and blind as I am, I could yet find my way along themountain-side. Kate, and you, Harry, do not keep Mr. Denison out toolate."

  By sunset the shooting party had returned, and after a bathe in the coolwaters of the mountain stream Denison returned to the house. Kate Handleand her sister, assisted by some native women, were plucking pigeons forthe evening meal. Harry was lying down on the broad of his back on thegrassy sward with closed eyes, smoking, and their hostess was sitting ona wide cane bench outside the house. She heard the young man's footstep,and beckoned him to seat himself beside her. And then she told him herstory.