Neither of them in their mutual absorption had noticed that a horse had stopped in the road opposite the boat-house, and a horseman had walked to the door and had halted at the sight which met his eyes. Desborough recognized Seymour at once, and he had unwittingly heard the end of the conversation. He was the second. The man was back again. It was true. The gallant gentleman stood still a moment, making no sound, then turned back and mounted his horse, and rode madly away with despair in his heart.
"Oh, Katharine," Seymour said at last, "do you know that I am a poor man now? Lame! See, I can no longer walk straight." He stood up. "Poor surgery after the battle did that."
"The more reason that in the future you should not go alone," she said softly, standing by his side.
"And with but one arm," he continued.
"No, three," she said again, "for here are two."
"Besides, my trading ships have been captured by the enemy, my private fortune has been spent for the cause. I am a poor man in every sense."
"Nay, John, you are a rich man," she said gayly.
"Oh, yes, rich in your love, Katharine."
"Yes, that of course, if that be riches, and richer in honor too; but that's not all."
"What else pray, dearest?"