“I have no need of this ring,” said I: “for look!” and I drew forth the lock I had cut from her dear head, that morning among the alders by Kennet side, and worn ever since over my heart.
“Wilt marry no man till I come?”
“Now, that’s too hard a promise,” said she, laughing, and shaking her curls.
“Too hard!”
“Why, of course. Listen, sweetheart—a true woman will not change her mind: but, oh! she dearly loves to be able to! So, bating this, here’s my hand upon it—now, fie, Jack! and before all these mariners!—well, then if thou must—”
I watch’d her standing in the stern and waving, till she was under the Godsend’s side: then turn’d, and mounting Molly, rode inland to the wars.