"Yes," he answered gravely: "my wish and purpose have never wavered; but now my heart is divided. Once it beat only for my country, and the clash of arms was music in my ears; now it has found a rival elsewhere. If I go to Quebec, I must leave you behind, my Kate!"
Suddenly into her bright eyes there sprang the smart of tears. She clasped the hands that held hers and pressed them closely.
"It will not be for long," she said; "you will return covered with glory and renown!"
"It may be so, it may be so; yet who can tell? Think how many gallant soldiers have been left behind upon that great continent: Braddock, Howe--oh, I could name many others less known to fame, perhaps, but gallant soldiers all. We go out with our lives in our hand, and so many never return!"
The tears began to fall slowly in sparkling drops. She could not release her hands to wipe them away.
"Do not speak so, James; it is not like you! Why do you try to break my heart?"
"Would you care so much, so much, were I to find a soldier's grave?"
A quick sob was her reply. She turned her head away.
"Kate, do you love me?"
"I think you know that I do, James."