ee in it; and I could never rent the old place. I am
very fond of it, Dolly. It is full of associations to me."

It swept through Dolly, how she would like to put it in order and keep
it open for him; and again she was silent, till admonished by a
laughing, "Go on."

But Dolly did not know what further to say, and was still silent.

"There is one question you have not asked me," Mr. Shubrick said,
"which would be a very pertinent one just now. You have never asked me
how long _I_ was going to stay in England."

"No," said Dolly, starting. "How soon must you--how long can you stay?"

"My leave expires in two weeks."

"Two weeks! And can you not get it extended?"

"I don't know. Perhaps, for a little. But, Dolly, there is a prospect
of the 'Red Chief' being ordered home; and there is a further
possibility that I may have to take her home; for Captain Busby is very
much out of health and wants to stay the winter over in Naples."

"You may have to take her home. Will that give you the ship, do you
mean?"

"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 presen