Captain Magnus, after an uneasy wriggle or two, said he guessed
he'd turn in. Cookie's snores were already audible between
splashes of the waves on the sands. The Scotchman, Cuthbert Vane
and I continued to sit by the dying fire. Mr. Shaw had got out his
pipe and sat silently puffing at it. He might have been sitting in
solitude on the topmost crag of the island, so remote seemed that
impassive presence. Was it possible that ever, except in the sweet
madness of a dream, I had been in his arms, pillowed and cherished
there, that he had called me _lassie_--
I lifted my eyes to the kind honest gaze of Cuthbert Vane. It was
as faithful as Crusoe's and no more embarrassing. A great impulse
of affection moved me. I was near putting out a hand to pat his
splendid head. Oh, how easy, comfortable, and calm would be a life
with Cuthbert Vane! I wasn't thinking about the title
now--Cuthbert would be quite worth while for himself. For a moment
I almost saw with Aunt Jane's eyes. _Fancy trotting him out before
the girls_! stole insidiously into my mind. How much more dazzling
than a plain Scotch sailor--
I turned in bitterness and yearning from the silent figure by the
fire.
I think in an earlier lifetime I must have been a huntress and
loved to pursue the game that fled.
XII
THE ISLAND QUEEN'S FREIGHT
I woke next morning with a great thrill of exhilaration.
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