"She wishes to remain at home. The old place is very dear to her. It would break her heart to have the enemy destroy it."
"I should not wish our place destroyed. Yet the only way to keep the enemy back is to go to the front and fight them."
"Well—I presume you are right, and I shall go some time—when I can win my mother over," said St. John lamely.
He wanted to speak of Marion again, but, on looking across the garden, saw his cousin and Jack approaching. Soon the pair came up and Marion greeted St. John with a slight bow.
"We have been out rowing, mother," said Jack, as he came up and kissed Mrs. Ruthven. "It was lovely on the bay."
"Did you go far?"
"We went over to Hoskin's beach. Marion rowed part of the way."
"I hope you had a nice time," said St. John stiffly, turning to Marion.
"We had a lovely time," answered the girl. "Jack is the best rower around here."
"Humph! Why, he's only a boy!" sneered the spendthrift.