"Ah, the dear lass is evidently hoping, expecting, waiting for the coming of her lover," he said.

"Happy man! What a joyous meeting it will be when the good ship comes to anchor and he steps ashore to meet her loving welcome." "Yes, I can imagine it," Annis said.

"They have doubtless been separated for months or years, and a glad reunion awaits them if he is really on the vessel." For a moment they gazed in silence, then with a sigh he said, "She's a bonny lass and doubtless he a brave, well-favored young fellow; both on the sunny side of life, while I--ah, Miss Annis, if I were but twenty years younger----" "What then, Mr.Lilburn ?" she asked sportively.

"You would be looking about for such a sweet young creature and trying to win her heart ?" "Not if I might hope to win that of the dear lady by my side," he returned in low, loverlike tones.

"She is full young enough and fair enough for me.
Miss Annis, do you think I--I could ever make myself a place in your heart?
I am no longer young, but there's an auld saying that 'it is better to be 'an auld man's darling than a young man's slave.'" "I have not intended to be either," she answered, blushing deeply and drawing a little away from him.