"No," said he, smiling; "ships are not had at such an easy rate as that. But, Dolly, you perceive that there are several questions we must ask and answer; and the sooner the better."
"Then," said Dolly a little hurriedly,—she was afraid of the questions that might be coming,—"if you go away in two or three weeks, when shall I see you again?"
There was more of an admission made in these words than Dolly herself knew; and it was made with a tender, shy grace of tone and manner which touched the young officer with more than one feeling. He bent down to kiss Dolly's hand before he said anything.
"That is one of the questions," he said. "Let me tell you what I have thought about it. The 'Red Chief' has been a long time out; she needs overhauling. She will probably be sent home soon, and I am like to be in charge of her. I may expect to get a long furlough when I go home; and—I want to spend every minute of it with you. I do not want to lose a day, Dolly. Do you understand? I want you to be all ready for me, so that we can be married the very day I get to you."
"You mean, in America?" said Dolly, with a great flush.
"I mean, in America, of course. I want to take you straight away from your old home to your new one. I will have the house put in readiness"——
"When do you think you will be there?" Dolly broke in.
"By Christmas, perhaps."
"But I am here," said Dolly.
"So am I here, just at present," said he, smiling. "But you can go over in one ship while I am going over in another, and be there as soon as I, or before."