You will not need a caul there! Go, my son, and remain until you can outgrow your absurd infirmity." I felt dismayed at the prospect, now that it was so near at hand.

I had often--in the distance--yearned for the security of a light-house.
Yet I now looked about on our comfortable parlor with a longing eye.

I recalled the pleasant tea-hour when there were no visitors; I thought of the fun the boys and girls would have this coming winter, and I wished father had not been so precipitate in securing that vacant place.
Just then Miss Gabble came up our steps, and shortly after entered the parlor.

She was one of those dreaded beings, who always filled me with the direst confusion.

She sat right down by my side and squeezed my hand.
"My poor, dear fellow-mortal!" said she, getting her sharp face so close to mine I thought she was going to kiss me, "how do you do?
Wearing them goggles yet?
It is too bad.