"Yes, sir, I do desire your countenance."
I smiled at her gravity, and saw, dawning in return, that lovely, child's smile I already knew and waited for.
"I wish to whisper to you," said she, bending the flowering bough lower.
So I inclined my ear across it, and felt her delicate breath against my cheek.
"I wish to make known to you that I am of your party, Mr. Drogue," she whispered.
I nodded approval.
"I wished you to know that I am a friend to liberty," she continued. "My sentiment is very ardent, Mr. Drogue: I burn with desire to serve this land, to which my father's wish has committed me. I am young, strong, not afraid. I can load and shoot a pistol——"
"Good Lord!" I exclaimed, laughing, "do you wish to enlist and go for a soldier?"
"Yes, sir."
I drew back in amazement and looked at her, and she blushed but made me a firm countenance. And so sweetly solemn a face did this maid pull at me that I could not forbear to laugh again.