"Why, you said, if my memory serves me, that you—"
"Exactly, that I would see you after supper, and so I will. Come, children, let us go in; this time I warrant you there will be no interruptions."
The father and son turned considerately and walked away, leaving the two lovers to follow.
"You won't leave me, John, will you, now that you have just come back?"
"No, Kate, not now; I am good for nothing until I get strong."
"Good for me, though; but when you do get strong?"
"Then, if my country needs me, dearest, I shall have to go. But I fear there will be no more ships of ours to get to sea, the blockade is getting more strict every day. I can be a soldier, though. No, Kate, do not beg me. My duty to my country constrains me."
"Don't talk about it now, then, John. At least I shall have you for a long time; it will be long before you are well again."
"Yes, I fear so," he said with a sigh.
"Why do you sigh, dearest?"