“I know that, but I would not have you bound even so much, for if he returned without me, or if neither returned, it would be a sad waiting. A year, Alaine; if at the end of a year you do not see your father, or if you do not hear from him or from me, you must be free to do whatever seems well and good.”
“But your plan, Pierre, tell me more of it.”
“I go to Manhatte to-morrow to sail by a vessel going to Guadaloupa.” He did not tell her that he had shipped as a common sailor and would thus work his passage, saving his own earnings for the use of Alaine’s father, should he need them.
“And there, Pierre, you will be sure to find him.”
“I will find him if he be alive.”
She put both hands in his. “Oh, my good Pierre, so good. I cannot thank you enough. I feel that I ought not to allow this, but——”
He shook his head. “It would be no use to refuse, Alaine, I should go; if not now, at some other time. You cannot keep me. I desire to do this thing for you. Do not forbid it and destroy my only joy in life.”
“Then I will not, but I will do my best while you are away. I will think of you and pray for you always, night and day.”
“And if I do not return, think of me then sometimes, even then, Alaine.”
“I will. I will always think of you, Pierre, so noble, so brave, so unselfish.”