Plutarch
dodging about the town, and had heard his name spoken as that of a
very eccentric person. Like everybody else who was brought within
speaking distance of the oddity, the sedate New Englander was at a
loss how to behave toward him. Plutarch was never at a loss. Detecting
a hair lodged on the squire's shoulder, he picked it off, and winked.

"A pretty long hair, old man, to be found on your collar. I hope it
came from one of your own women-folks. What's the last word from
Captain Danvers? When is that knot to be tied, anyhow? If you'll give
me an invite, I'll be there, sure. I told young Burlington--no, I
mean Arlington--all the facts just as they are."

"You did? What facts? Who is Arlington?"

"Don't you know Arlington, Squire Hale? Is it possible? Well, well,
well! Now that explains a good deal. These young folks are as sly as a
gallinipper. You have to keep your eye skinned to see all that goes
on, by land and river, and especially on islands. There's not a bit of
criticism to be made on Evaleen's conduct, nor on Arlington's. He
couldn't help himself, no more than a fly in a honey-pot. The minute
he saw your gal, he fell slap dab in love with her. The poor feller
was nigh about dead for love the day we sot on the summit."

"What rigmarole is this? You sot on the summit? Arlington? My
daughter? Tell me simply and briefly what you mean."

"I mean briefly and simply, Mr. Chester Arlington, of Virginia, came
here to spark Evaleen; he as good as told me so; that is, I am
satisfied he did; it stands to reason and the nature of a gentleman!
Secondly, I told him it was no go. I said to Chester, 'You must hunt
up another sweetheart, for Leeny Hale is engaged. She is going to be
married,' says I, 'to Captain Warren P. Danvers.'"

"You told this Mr. Arlington that my daughter was engaged to marry
Captain Danvers?"

"Yes; that's what I told him. Isn't that so? Of course, she couldn't
marry 'em both at once, and I wanted to put Chester out of misery.
That's why I broke it to him. You may tell the betrothed, as you call
it, I mean your daughter, as much or as little as you please; but if
that young woman had saw how that young man looked when I told him he
couldn't have her, I do believe she might have shook Danvers and took
Arlington. That's what I had to say to you, Squire Hale, and now I've
said it, I feel easier. I must be going. Mighty fine weather, this!
Good-bye! Gals will fool their daddies."

Away went B