inquiry. I only like to look upon the sea; its grandeur in a storm,
and the peaceful repose that follows, excite my admiration, but
that's all. It's something too treacherous to love."

"You fear the water, then," asked Lizzie smiling.

"Look to-night, if you please," was the answer, "at the soft silver
sheen that covers its beautiful blue bosom, and imagine, if you can,
such peaceful water engulfing a hapless bark within its silent
depths! Oh no; I only admire the sea as a part of God's wonderful
creation. But, Miss Heartwell, there's something just visible in the
hazy distance that I do love; it's old Defiance. You see the lights
of the old fort twinkling far off on the water? They stir within me
the martial spirit, and seem to beckon me on to an unknown, but
longed-for destiny. It may be fancy, yet there has been a peculiar
feeling toward that old fort ever since I first became a cadet at
the Citadel. Why do you frown? Do you object to my enthusiasm?"

"By no means," replied Lizzie quickly; "but, strangely as it seems
to fascinate you, it has always repelled, and even terrified me.
It's the only object of the beautiful harbor that has ever cast a
shadow across the loveliness of the sea. I hate it; and I have often
wished the sea would draw it silently into its hungry depths, and
leave no trace of it behind."

George laughed.

"Your fancy amuses me," he said. "It would never do to obliterate
old Defiance, for then the enemy, should they ever come, would find
easy access to the Queen City, and ruin and destruction might