"We shall soon, doubtless, fall in with some merchant vessel from your native country, as we are directly in their course, and then you and your father, with all the crew of the Betsy Allen, will be allowed to go on board of it, and return to England."
"Dear England, shall I so soon see it again."
"And will you have no regret at leaving the Raker?"
"Why, is it not an enemy's vessel?"
"Not your enemy's."
"No, it is not; you have all been kind to us, and we shall feel as if we were parting with friends."
"Dear Julia," said the young officer, taking her hand in his, "you will not forget us? You will not forget me?" and he ventured to press the little hand he held in his own. It was not withdrawn. Encouraged in his advances, the young lieutenant was emboldened to proceed, and bending his head until he could gaze into the blushing countenance which was half averted from him, he made his first declaration of love, and his heart beat painfully as he awaited her answer.
"Julia, I love you."
He heard no answer from her lips, but he felt a pressure from the hand he still held in his own, and was happy.
"Will you be mine, Julia?"