"And none about mine?"
"Why—it is so different;" faltering a little. "And you know I never was overfond of soldiering."
"Where would the country have been but for the brave men who fought and gained her liberty? Look at General Washington, and that brave noble-hearted Lafayette. And there was General Steuben that winter at Valley Forge, sharing hardship when he might have lived at ease. It stirs my blood when I think of the hundreds of brave men, and I am proud to be a soldier."
He stood up very straight, and there was a world of resolution in his eyes, a flush on his cheek.
"But you are glad of his success?"
"And why should you not be as glad of mine?" not answering her question.
"Why—I am. But you see that appeals to me the more. Yet I shall be glad for you to rise in your profession, and win honors, only—fighting shocks me all through. I am a coward."
"And he will come back a doctor, and you will rejoice with him. I shouldn't mind that so much, but you will marry him——"
"Marry him! Ned, what are you thinking of!"
There was a curious protest in her face almost strong enough for horror. Even her lips lost their rosy tint.