“Then they’ll suspect you,” she said. “Too many good Americans have been dragged into hot water by pro-German wives, and I’m not going to marry you till I can bring you some other dower than a spotted reputation.”
“I’d take you and be glad to get you if you were as polka-dotted as a leopardess,” said Davidge.
“Just as much obliged; but no, thank you,” said Mamise. “Furthermore, if we were married, the news would reach Nicky Easton through Jake Nuddle, and then Nicky would lose all trust in me, and come down on us without warning.”
“This makes about the fifteenth rejection I’ve had,” said Davidge. “And I’d sworn never to ask you again.”
“I promised to ask you when the time was ripe,” said Mamise.
“Don’t forget. Barkis is always willin’ and waitin’.”
“While we’re both waiting,” Mamise went on, “there’s one thing you’ve got to do for me, or I’ll never propose to you.”
“Granted, to the half my shipyard.”
“It’s only a job in your shipyard. I can’t stand this typewriter-tapping any longer. I’m going mad. I want to swing a hammer or something. You told me that women could build a whole ship if they wanted to, and I want to build my part of one.”