be but middling."

Then the loving fellow said with a big sigh that he would wait--but
tired of waiting and going away again, and back only when God and Mr.
Arundel said so.

"Aw, then," answered Joan, "a good thing. Women have to miss a man
before they know they love him. Give Denas time to miss you, Tris, and
when the boat is home be a bit careless like. If she do wonder and
worry a little--a good thing for her. Women they be made up of
contraries, but sweet as blossoms and as good as gold for all that,
Tris."

On the twenty-fourth all was ready to bring home the boat. The boat
had been sold to Denas Tresham, the money paid, and the deed of
transfer to John Penelles ready made out. There had also been prepared
a paper for the St. Penfer _News_, which was to appear that day, and
which Lawyer Tremaine said would supply a ten-days' holiday gossip for
the citizens. And no day specially made for so happy an event could
have been lovelier. The sea was dimpling all over in the sunshine;
there was just the right wind, and just enough of it, to let Tris
reach harbour in the afternoon. John wondered at the air of excitement
in his cottage. Joan was singing, Denas had her best dress on, and
both had been busy making clotted cream, and junket, and pies of all
kinds.

In fact, John was a little depressed by this extravagance of light
hearts. He did not think the money Denas got from her school warranted
it, and he was heart-sick with the terrible fear that the busy season
was at hand and that he had found nothing to do. Adam Oliver's two
nephews from Cardiff had come to help him, and that shut one place;
and neither Trenager nor Penlow had said a word to him, and his brave
old soul sank within him.

"And what be in the wind with you women I know nothing of," he said
fretfully, "but you do have some unlikely old ways."

"What way be the wind, John, dear?"

"A little nor'ard, what there be of it--only a capful, though."

"Aw, then, John, look to the nor'ard, for good luck do come the way
the wind blows."

"Good luck do come the way God sends it, Joan."

"And many a time and oft it do be coming and us not thinking of it."

John nodded gravely. There was little hope in his heart, but he went
as usual to the pier and stood there watching the boats. Most of them
were now ready for the fishing. When the men on the lookout saw the
shadow of a dark cloud coming on and on over the sea, when they waved
the signal-bush right a