t sea in
the hopes of obtaining a share of the schools of fish which still
hovered off their coasts. The drift-nets now could only be used with
any prospect of success, and Michael was as active and energetic as
ever. He had, indeed, greater reason for working hard, as Nelly had
promised to become his wife in the ensuing spring. He wished to make
every preparation in his power that she might begin her married life
with as much comfort as a fisherman's wife could hope to do.

"Only we must look after granny too, and try to save her the long
trudges she has had to make; and repay her, though that would be a hard
matter, for all the care she took of us when we were young," he observed
to Nelly, as they were talking over their future prospects.

Nelly heartily agreed with him; but when Dame Lanreath heard of their
intentions, she laughed at the notion of giving up her daily walks to
market.

"More reason for Nelly to stay at home to look after the house. Wait a
bit till my limbs grow stiffer than they are as yet, and till she has
got a little damsel of her own to trot alongside her as she used to trot
alongside me," she answered.

"But, granny, I have been thinking of getting little Mary Lanaherne,
Uncle Reuben's granddaughter, to go to market with me while you stay at
home; she is quite ready to agree to my plan," said Nelly.

"Ah, I see you want to become a fine lady now you are going to marry,
and have an attendant of your own," said the dame, laughing. "Bide a
bit till you have need of help, and let my old limbs wag on while they
have life in them."

"That will be for many years to come, I hope, granny," said Michael;
"and to my eyes you don't seem to have become a day older since I first
remember you, and that's longer than I can remember anything else; for I
mind you holding me in your arms when father came home one day and gave
me a fish to play with."

"That was a good bit ago, Michael, to be sure, and I should not like to
have to lift you up now, lad, strong as my arms still are," answered the
old dame, looking approvingly at the fine manly young fisherman as he
stood before her. Nelly, too, gave him a glance of tender affection,
and all three laughed merrily. Their hearts were light, for though
theirs was a life of toil they willingly undertook their daily tasks,
and were thankful for the blessings bestowed on them.

"It is time for me to be off," said Michael; "Uncle Reuben stays on
shore this ev