“You’re not the Government.”
“Yes, I am, in so far as they entrust these things to me.”
“Oh, Little Billee,—Captain, my Captain, I’m so proud of you! I do believe you’re the biggest man in the Service,—and I don’t mean physically, now.”
“Hardly that, Blossom, but I do have responsibilities.”
“Do they wear on you?”
“They do, indeed! So, for just a few moments I’m going to forget them utterly, and only remember the touch of your pink blossom fingers and the sweetness of your flower-face.”
“Dear Big Little Billee! For such a strong person you are very gentle.”
“To you how could I be otherwise? Now, Pattibelle, what about it? Can you make our wedding-day an earlier date, and go along with me?”
“You said I couldn’t go!”
“You can, if you’ll marry me in time. But I just ’most know you won’t.”