But he saw her vision of himself--grown great despite his birth. He beheld himself winning a place in the world even worthy to offer her. He was young and sanguine, and her words had thrown a veil over the harsh truth. Yet his spirit sank. "If such a thing could be!" "Such things have been a thousand times. History is rich in them." "I might do something, yet never anything great enough to offer to you." "It must mean that you went far away, and I don't think I could let you go. And yet----" "The thought is too grand even for hope. Who am I that I should ever win a commission in His Majesty's Army?" "You are the son of a good soldier. The time cries for soldiers; but no, I couldn't let you--oh, dear, gentle John, I couldn't. Perchance Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt might--but I can't plot the details in cold blood, and I wish heartily I'd never thought of such a horrid idea at all. You shall not go to the wars for me. You must shine in a peaceful part." "Fighting's the only sure quick way to success in these days. How to get Mr. Malherb's good word?" "I've thought of that already. I've been thinking of it ever since you told me, and hating myself for thinking with such a hard heart. You've got a grandmother, and she is shrewdly suspected of a great crime. If, indeed, she robbed dear father, and you could prove it----" "If I could find the amphora and bring it to him!" "You must do so! That is what lies before you." "But it may be all a dream, Grace." "Then we must go on with the dream until we waken. Our love's no dream at least, and if one way won't serve, we will seek another." "Honesty and right point the only way--for me: that leading out of your life." "You are downcast and you try to make me so; but you shall not succeed, I promise you. Am I nobody, that you talk so easily of the road that leads away from me? Do you want to be off with the old love, John? Ah! Now I know what has fallen out: you've found a pretty girl and one easier to come by!" "Don't--don't! 'Tis no time for jesting. My heart's breaking to see my duty so cruel plain." "Your duty lies where your love is, and honour bids you keep your word to me before everything, John. And if you love me well enough to go into the world and fight for me, you shall; though 'tis my heart that will break, not yours, when I think of it. Thus it stands: you must win my father to your way and if good chance helps you to bring him back his treasure, then so much the more quickly will you come to your reward." "It may be so. Certainly there is some place that my grandmother used to haunt by night, and I know the direction." "As a child she nearly killed you for spying; now, as a man, you must do the like again to better purpose. She can't whip you now." "You will jest." "The amphora is no jest. Secure it, and my father is under an eternal obligation." "Would you have me ask for his daughter?"