There was real concern in her voice, and Roderic found his heart touched.
"I have been seriously considering that same matter myself, and concluded to make a change after the war is over."
"Why wait until then?"
"For many reasons. In the first place Western men have a saying that it is bad policy to change horses while crossing a stream. It is also a poor piece of business to desert your country while she has need of your services."
"Enough. I know that your motives are honorable. But about this trip across to the Antilles—I could tell you of a quicker way of reaching the shore of Porto Rico, that is, should you consider it worth your while to accept," with a tinge of color in her cheeks, and a sparkle to her blue eyes.
"Indeed, I should like to hear of it. Time may be a factor in my game."
"I made a purchase in England—you know I am something of a yachtsman in my way, and the temptation was great."
"You purchased a yacht?"
"A steam yacht."
"Lucky mortal to be able to do such a thing with as little concern as I would buy a cravat."