Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 8.djvu/251

 Ten Days in Nantucket.

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��and his father had decided that such a trip would give him a better idea of the island's best points for building pur- poses. On their return at night, they found that the ladies had spent a pleas- ant day, bathing, riding and visiting some Boston friends who were stopping at the Spnngfield House a short dis- tance from them. Bessie had found more pleasure in the company of the young musician and his friends, having attended one of the morning mu- sicales which they were accustomed to have by themselves in the hall of the Athenaeum. Tom and his father had much to tell of their day's pleasure.

Mr. Gordon for once in his life felt the longing which he knew had so often possessed his wife, to go back and live in the years gone by ; for if he could now transfer himself to the year 1659, he might buy this whole island of Thomas Mayhew for thirty pounds and two beaver hats. What a lost oppor- tunity for a good business investment ! As it was, however, some valuable notes were added to his note-book suggested by the trip, which time alone will give to the world. He was more and more convinced that the future well-being of Nantucket was more in the hands of real-estate brokers and summer pleas- ure seekers, than in those of the manu- facturers, agficulturist, or even the fish- ing-men as of old. He could see no other future for her, and he should work accordingly. His chief regret was that the island was so barren of trees.

They spent the next day, Sunday, in attending church, as they had planned.

��and in pleasant conversation and rest, preparatory to their departure for Bos- ton on the following morning. They expressed gratitude that they had not been prevented by sickness or by one rainy day from carrying out all the plans which had been laid for the ten days. Mrs. Gordon very much regretted that they had not seen the famous Folger clock which was to be seen at the house of a descendant of Walter Folger, the maker of it. She should certainly see it the first thing, it she ever were in Nantucket again; for she considered the man, who, unaided, could make such a clock, the greatest mechanical genius that ever lived. She felt this still more, when she was told that the clock could not be mended until there could be found a mechanic who was also an astronomer.

At seven o'clock the next morning, they were all on board the steamer, as she left the old town of Nantucket in the distance. Mrs. Gordon looked longingly back at Brant Point, which she still felt was the best spot on the island ; while Bessie eagerly watched for the little flag which a certain young gentle- man was yet waving from the wharf.

At half past one, they were in Bos- ton, and an hour later at their subur- ban home, all dehghted with their short stay in Nantucket. They felt that they had seen about all that there was to be seen there, and they were glad to have visited the island before it should be clothed with any more modern garments.

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