
E-text prepared by Al Haines
\[Frontispiece: "Delight's kinder bowled over by surprise, Tiny," Willie explained gently.\]
BY SARA WARE BASSETT
WITH FRONTISPIECE BY M. L. GREER
A. L. BURT COMPANY Publishers ———— New York - Published by arrangement with Little, Brown and Company
In a sleepy harbor town where sea breezes mingle with the scent of fresh chowder, a gentle old man named Willie Spence lives a life of simple honesty. His short‑sighted blue eyes and ever‑present smile have earned the affection of every neighbor, and his housekeeper Celestina tolerates his dreamy interruptions with a mix of exasperation and fondness. Though he admits when he doesn’t know something, his steadfast belief in truth and his quiet generosity make him the village’s trusted confidant.
When a stranger arrives on the dock, bringing a hint of mystery and a “green‑eyed” reputation, the tranquil rhythm of the community begins to shift. Whispers of apparitions and a sudden marriage proposal stir old loyalties, while Willie’s own ideas spark unexpected schemes that could reshape the harbor’s future. Listeners are invited to follow the warm humor and heartfelt dilemmas as this close‑knit town navigates love, ambition, and the inevitable tide of change.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (386K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2006-07-23
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1872–1968
Best known for warm, readable stories rooted in New England life, this prolific American writer often set her novels in two imagined Cape Cod villages, Belleport and Wilton. She also wrote nonfiction and books for younger readers, bringing everyday communities and coastal settings vividly to life.
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