"Let us say the beginning of the settling. Well, we are at a very interesting point of our history; and who knows what may depend upon our voyage?"—
"Still, you'll never go in a boat that"—but he put his hand over my mouth, and went on.
"I declare, beloved Lotty, when I look upon ourselves—two young creatures—going forth upon the waters to search for and authenticate our bearings—when I reflect, my darling, that not merely ourselves, but our unborn great grandchildren"—
"Don't be foolish, Fred," said I; but he would.
"That our great grandchildren, at this moment in the dim regions of probability, and in the still dimmer limbo of possibility"—
"Now, what are you talking about?" I asked; but he was in one of his ways, and it was of no use.
"Are, without being awake to the fact, acutely interested in our discovery; why our voyage becomes an adventure of the deepest, and the most delicate interest. Open your fancy's eye, my love, and looking into futurity, just glance at that magnificent young man, your grandson"—
"Now, I tell you what, Fred, don't be foolish; for I shall look at nothing of the sort," and with the words, I shut my eyes as close as shells.
"Or that lovely budding bride, your grand-daughter"—
"No," said I, "nor any grand-daughter, either; there's quite time enough for that."