Page:Mehalah 1920.djvu/19

Rh She turned to him with an exultant splendour in her face, and pointing to the canvas bag on the table, said, "There is the money. Will you take the rent at once, or wait till it is due?"

"It is not due till next Thursday."

"We do not pay for a few weeks. Three weeks' grace we have been hitherto allowed."

"I give no grace."

"Then take your money at once."

"I will not touch it till it is due. I will take it next Thursday. You will bring it me then to Red Hall."

"Is the boat all right where I left her?" asked the young man.

"Yes, George!" answered the girl, "she is on the hard where you anchored her this morning. What have you been getting in Colchester to-day?"

"I have bought some groceries for mother," he said, "and there is a present with me for you. But that I will not give up till by and by. You will help me to thrust the boat off, will you not, Glory?"

"She is afloat now. However, I will come presently, I must give Abraham first his supper."

"Thank ye," said the old man. "George De Witt and me stopped at the Rose and had a bite. I must go at once after the cows. You'll excuse me." He went out.

"Will you stay and sup with us, George?" asked the widow. "There is something in the pot will be ready directly."

"Thank you all the same," he replied, "I want to be back as soon as I can, the night will be dark; besides, you and Glory have company." Then turning to Rebow, he added:

"So you have bought the Ray?"

"I have."

"Then Glory and her mother are your tenants."

"They are mine."

"I hope they will find you an easy landlord."

"I reckon they will not," said Elijah shortly.

"Come along, Glory!" he called, abandoning the topic and the uncongenial speaker, and turning to the girl, "Help me with my boat."

"Don't be gone for long, Mehalah!" said her mother.