.

and when one is lonely, one thinks of what might have been, and, perhaps, regrets.
Regrets, unavailing regrets, are the poorest companions possible.
The lightkeeper, too, seemed lonely, which, considering his years of experience in his present situation, was odd.

He explained his loneliness one evening by observing that he cal'lated he missed the painting chaps.
"What painting chaps ?" asked Brown.
"Oh, them two young fellers that always used to come to the cottage--what you call the bungalow--across the cove there, the ones I told you about.

They was real friendly, sociable young chaps, and I kind of liked to have 'em runnin' in and out.

Seems queer to have it July, and they not here to hail me and come over to borrow stuff.