`` Of course -- I expect that . I shall have to get used to it . '' Nan grew nervous . Proposing to a man was really very dreadful . `` Would n't it be -- nicer for you '' -- she faltered -- `` that is -- it would n't be so lonely for you -- would it -- if -- if you had me out there with you ? '' John Osborne stopped squarely in the dusty road and looked at her . `` Nan ! '' he exclaimed . `` Oh , if you ca n't take a hint ! '' said Nan in despair . It was all of an hour later that a man drove past them as they loitered up the hill road in the twilight . It was Bryan Lee ; he had taken from Osborne his house and land , but he had not been able to take Nan Stewart , after all . Natty of Blue Point Natty Miller strolled down to the wharf where Bliss Ford was tying up the Cockawee . Bliss was scowling darkly at the boat , a trim new one , painted white , whose furled sails seemed unaccountably wet and whose glistening interior likewise dripped with moisture . A group of fishermen on the wharf were shaking their heads sagely as Natty drew near . `` Might as well split her up for kindlings , Bliss , '' said Jake McLaren . `` You 'll never get men to sail in her . It passed the first time , seeing as only young Johnson was skipper , but when a boat turns turtle with Captain Frank in command , there 's something serious wrong with her . '' `` What 's up ? '' asked Natty .
`` The Cockawee upset out XXXXX the bay again this morning , '' answered Will Scott .
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