Still no boat came.

The mother leaned against the window and looked across the waters; then she heard a step near at hand on the road, and turned her head.

It was the school- master, who was coming slowly down the hill, supporting himself on a staff, for his hip troubled him.

His intelligent eyes looked calm.

He paused to rest, and nodded to her:-- "Not come yet ?" "No; I expect them every moment." "Fine weather for haymaking, to-day." "But warm for old folks to be walking." The school-master looked at her, smiling,-- "Have any young folks been out to-day ?" "Yes; but are gone again." "Yes, yes, to be sure; there will most likely be a meeting somewhere this evening." "I presume there will be.