Page:Frank Stockton - Rudder Grange.djvu/23

Rh "That is very true," said I, "but I think perhaps we had better walk up to Ginx's and get our supper to-night. You see, we are so tired and hungry."

"What!" cried Euphemia; "go to an hotel the very first day? I think it would be dreadful! Why, I have been looking forward to this first meal with the greatest delight. You can go up to the little store by the hotel and buy some things and I will cook them, and we will have our first dear little meal here all alone by ourselves, at our own table and in our own house."

So this was determined upon, and, after a hasty counting of the fund I had reserved for moving and kindred expenses, and which had been sorely depleted during the day, I set out, and in about an hour returned with my first marketing.

I made a fire, using a lot of chips and blocks the carpenter had left, and Euphemia cooked the supper, and we ate it from our little table, with two large towels for a table-cloth.

It was the most delightful meal I ever ate!

And when we had finished Euphemia washed the dishes (the thoughtful creature had put some water on the stove to heat for the purpose, while we were at supper), and then we went on deck, or on the piazza as Euphemia thought we had better call it, and there we had our smoke. I say we, for Euphemia always helps me to smoke by sitting by me, and she seems to enjoy it as much as I do.

And when the shades of evening began to gather around us I hauled in the gang-plank (just like a delightful old drawbridge, Euphemia said, although I hope for the sake of our ancestors that drawbridges were easier to haul in) and went to bed.