re
friends, Jacob, are we not!"

"Oh, yes, madam," replied I, much moved, in a faltering voice.

"I shall not ask that question," said Sarah, gaily, "for we parted
friends."

And as I recalled to mind her affectionate behaviour, I pressed her
hand, and the tears glistened in my eyes as I looked into her sweet
face. As I afterwards discovered, this was an arranged plan with old
and young Tom, to bring about a meeting without my knowledge. Mrs
Beazeley courtesied and stroked her apron--smiled at the ladies, looked
very _cat_-ish at Tom, showed the ladies into the house, where old Tom
assisted to do the honours after his own fashion, by asking Mrs
Drummond if she would like to _whet her whistle_ after her _pull_. Mrs
Drummond looked round to me for explanation, but young Tom thought
proper to be interpreter. "Father wants to know, if you please, ma'am,
whether, after your _pull_ in the boat, you wouldn't like to have a
_pull_ at the brandy bottle?"

"No," replied Mrs Drummond, smiling; "but I should be obliged for a
glass of water. Will you get me one, Jacob?"

I hastened to comply, and Mrs Drummond entered into conversation with
Mrs Beazeley. Sarah looked at me, and went to the door, turning back
as inviting me to follow. I did so, and we soon found ourselves seated
on the bench in the old boat.

"Jacob," said she, looking earnestly at me, "you surely will be friends
with _my_ father?"

I think I should have shaken my head, but she laid an emphasis on _my_,
which the little gipsy knew would have its effect. All my resolutions,
all my pride, all my sense of injury vanished before the mild, beautiful
eyes of Sarah, and I replied hastily, "Yes, Miss Sarah, I can refuse
_you_ nothing."

"Why _Miss_, Jacob?"

"I am a waterman, and you are much above me."

"That is your own fault; but say no more about it."

"I must say something more, which is this: do not attempt to make me
leave my present employment; I am happy, because I am independent; and
that I will, if possible, be for the future."

"Any one can pull an oar, Jacob."

"Very true, Miss Sarah, and is under no obligation to any one by so
earning his livelihood. He works for all and is paid for all."

"Will you come and see us, Jacob? Come to-morrow--now do--promise me.
Will you refuse your old playmate, Jacob?"

"I wish you would not ask that."

"How then can you say that you are friends with my father? I will not
believe you unless you pro