'
'I did,' said Mary. 'Thank you. You are quite right. In another minute
I shall be ready to return. We have time for a very few words more, dear
Martin, and although I had much to say, it must remain unsaid until the
happy time of our next meeting. Heaven send it may come speedily and
prosperously! But I have no fear of that.'
'Fear!' cried Martin. 'Why, who has? What are a few months? What is a
whole year? When I come gayly back, with a road through life hewn out
before me, then indeed, looking back upon this parting, it may seem
a dismal one. But now! I swear I wouldn't have it happen under more
favourable auspices, if I could; for then I should be less inclined to
go, and less impressed with the necessity.'
'Yes, yes. I feel that too. When do you go?'
'To-night. We leave for Liverpool to-night. A vessel sails from that
port, as I hear, in three days. In a month, or less, we shall be there.
Why, what's a month! How many months have flown by, since our last
parting!'
'Long to look back upon,' said Mary, echoing his cheerful tone, 'but
nothing in their course!'
'Nothing at all!' cried Martin.
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