"I feel that my country needs my services."
"You are patriotic."
Mr. Diggs felt flattered.
"You are—hem—hem, very kind, Miss Irene, to attribute patriotism to me. Patriotism, true patriotism is one of man's most noble attributes."
"I agree with you."
"But, Miss Irene, it is hard to go, even to our country's aid, and leave behind friends dearer to us than life."
"Mercy!" mentally ejaculated Irene, "does the little fool mean to propose?" Then, still without any encouraging warmth in her tone, she asked, "When do you expect to leave Snagtown?"
"In two or three days at most, and I feel—hem—pardon me, Miss Irene." He rose and drew his chair nearer hers.
"He really means it!" thought Irene, her eyes bright, half with mischief, half with annoyance.
"I have something—hem, hem, hem!—I wish to say to you. I—I—that is—hem—I cannot leave for the field of danger until I—have—hem, hem! until I have revealed to you my feelings."