“A pen! A pen!” cried the boys. “Who says the girl is to marry a sailor? The ship isn't built that's to drown her husband.”
“Good-night all,” said Philip.
“Good-night, Mr. Christian, good-night, sir,” said the boys.
Kate slipped after him to the door. “Going so early, Philip?”
“I've to be back at Douglas to-morrow morning,” said Philip.
“I suppose we shan't see you very soon?”
“No, I must set to work in earnest now.”
“A fortnight—a month may be?”
“Yes, and six months—I intend to do nothing else for half a year.”
“That's a long time, isn't it, Philip?”