"Oh! You're going away again, Dorn?"
"Yes, but only for short voyages of a month or so at a time, and I'll be over to see my little Mollie every time I'm in home port; and in the fall, if not before, we'll be married. No more long voyages for me."
"I'm so glad to hear you say that, dear; and I can wait patiently, even happily, when I may see you sometimes." And, possibly for happiness still, the girl began crying softly again.
"Come, come, little Mollie," said her sailor lover, consoling her with a kiss, "there's no occasion to rig the pumps in such fair weather as this."
Mary smiled through her tears, and dried her eyes.
"Now," he continued, "let me hear your voice, darling. Tell me something."
"Tell me again if you still love me."
For answer she put her arm around his neck, drew his face down to hers, and kissed him. What words could have been so complete and eloquent an assurance as that chaste and tender caress?
"My own dear little wife," he exclaimed, embracing her passionately.