`` I have heard that you can see the shadow of Venus only once in a lifetime , and that within a year of seeing it your life 's most wonderful gift will come to you , '' said Leslie . But she spoke rather hardly ; perhaps she thought that even the shadow of Venus could bring her no gift of life . Anne smiled in the soft twilight ; she felt quite sure what the mystic shadow promised her . They found Marshall Elliott at the lighthouse . At first Anne felt inclined to resent the intrusion of this long-haired , long-bearded eccentric into the familiar little circle . But Marshall Elliott soon proved his legitimate claim to membership in the household of Joseph . He was a witty , intelligent , well-read man , rivalling Captain Jim himself in the knack of telling a good story . They were all glad when he agreed to watch the old year out with them . Captain Jim 's small nephew Joe had come down to spend New Year 's with his great-uncle , and had fallen asleep on the sofa with the First Mate curled up in a huge golden ball at his feet . `` Ai n't he a dear little man ? '' said Captain Jim gloatingly . `` I do love to watch a little child asleep , Mistress Blythe . It 's the most beautiful sight in the world , I reckon . Joe does love to get down here for a night , because I have him sleep with me . At home he has to sleep with the other two boys , and he does n't like it . Why ca n't I sleep with father , Uncle Jim ? '' says he . ` Everybody in the Bible slept with their fathers . ' As for the questions he asks , the minister himself could n't answer them . They fair swamp me .
` Uncle XXXXX , if I was n't ME who 'd I be ? '
Blythe Elliott First Jim Joe Joseph Leslie lighthouse night twilight