For Love of Country

Book Excerpt: words, I pray you. No, I will not release you until I have spoken. These are troublous times. I may leave at any moment--must leave when my orders come, and I expect them every day, and before I go I must tell you this."Her downcast eyes could still see him blush and then pale a little under the sunburn and windburn of his face, as he went on speaking."I have no one; never had I a sister, I can remember no mother; believe me, I entreat you, when I tell you that to no woman have I ever said what I have just said to you. We sailors think and speak and act quickly, it is a part of our profession; but if I should wait for years I should think no differently and act in no other way. I love you! Oh, Katharine, I love you as my soul."There was a note of passion in his voice which thrilled her heart with ecstasy; the others had not made love this way."You seem to me like that star I have often watched in the long hours of the night, which has shown me the way on many a trackless sea.Read More