time in New York on
business, and Captain Crowe was confined to his handsome house with a
lame ankle; but it happened that they both reappeared on the chief
business street of Longport the very same day. One might have fancied
that each wore an expression of anxiety; the truth was, they had made
vows to themselves that another twenty-four hours should not pass over
their heads before they made a bold push for the coveted prize. They
were more afraid of the minister's rivalry than they knew; but not the
least of each other's. There were angry lines down the middle of
Captain Asa Shaw's forehead as he assured himself that he would soon
put an end to the minister business, and Captain Crowe thumped his
cane emphatically as he walked along the street. Captain John
Witherspoon looked thin and eager, but a hopeful light shone in his
eyes: his choice was not from his judgment, but from his heart.

It was strange that it should be so difficult--nay, impossible--for
anybody to find an opportunity to speak with Mrs. Lunn upon this most
private and sacred of personal affairs, and that day after day went by
while the poor captains fretted and grew more and more impatient. They
had it in mind to speak at once when the time came; neither Captain
Crowe nor Captain Shaw felt that he could do himself or his feelings
any justice in a letter.

On a rainy autumn afternoon, Mrs. Lunn sat down by her front window,
and drew her wicker work-basket into her lap from the end of the
narrow table before her. She was tired, and glad to rest. She had been
busy all the morning, putting in order the rooms that were to be set
apart for the minister's sleeping-room and study. Her thoughts were
evidently pleasant as she looked out into the street for a few
minutes, and then crossed her plump hands over the work-basket.
Presently, as a large, familiar green umbrella passed her window, she
caught up a bit of sewing, and seemed to be busy with it, as some one
opened her front door and came into the little square entry without
knocking.

"May I take the liberty? I saw you settin' by the window this wet
day," said Captain Shaw.

"Walk right in, sir; do!" Mrs. Lunn fluttered a little on her perch at
the sight of him, and then settled herself quietly, as trig and demure
as ever.

"I'm glad, ma'am, to find you alone. I have long had it in mind to
speak with you on a matter of interest to us both." The captain felt
more embarrassed than he had expected, bu