Or, lest I should hurt your feelings too much, I will put
it this way; I shall send your father home, and he will take you with
him."
Elizabeth laughed; and the conversation went on with its interest
increasing, when all at once Pepperell rose, and held out his hand to
her in farewell. "I may not see you again until we meet in Boston." he
said, "but if I can, I will come for a moment in the morning."
She was surprised at his going away so soon after his assurance of being
at leisure but as after speaking to her father he stepped over the side
of the vessel, she perceived the reason for his sudden departure. His
trained eye had caught what the distance had hidden from her, the figure
of a man coming rapidly toward the shore.
When the General landed, the keel of the little boat he was in grated on
the beach at Stephen Archdale's feet. With a salute to his commander,
the latter sprang into it, and before Elizabeth had recovered her
breath, was coming over the ship's side.
The General walked on without turning his head toward the schooner.
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