But he told Elizabeth of the circumstance, and upon it based the conversation as to their future, which he had been anxiously desirous to have. “You must not send me away again, love, upon a general promise. I think it is my right to understand clearly what you intend about Hallam, and how soon you will become my wife.”
She answered with a frank affection that delighted him: “We must give one year to my father’s memory; then, Richard, come for me as soon as you desire.”
“Say twelve months hence.”
“I will be waiting for you.”
“You will go with me to New Orleans?”
“I will go with you wherever you go. Your God shall be my God; your home, my home, Richard.”
“My dear Elizabeth! I am the proudest and happiest man in the world!”
“And I, Richard; am I not happy, also? I have chosen you freely, I love you with all my heart.”
“Have you considered well what you give up?”
“I have put you against it. My gain is incalculably greater than my loss.”