"Babylon seemed to struggle against her temper, and got the better of it.
"'Give me those diamonds, Cora. Of course I do not dispute what you say, and always meant to make you independent; but not after this fashion. Wait till this ceremony is over and I have control of sufficient means. You must see that it would be ruin to part with these.'
"'I cannot help that. What security have I that you will keep your word when you are married? It never has been kept. The truth is, I mean to stay in this country, where my color is not sneered at, and I must have the means.'
"'But have I not promised?'
"'Yes, a good many times; and I mean that you shall perform too! This ceremony shall never take place till I am sure of that!'
"Babylon grew pale as a ghost; something seemed to swell in her throat.
"'Give back the diamonds,' she said, speaking as if she had a cold; and you shall have a written promise for twice their amount three months after I am married.'
"'When?'
"'Now. I will write out the paper at once.'
"'Well, but remember it is made out to Cora, your half-sister, or I will not take it.'