It was not until the time drew near when they must part that Marie returned to the topic of the previous day. Her tenure of Willatopy's affections was so insecure that no moment must be wasted if she were to rivet him to her by the bonds of matrimony.
"It shall be to-morrow," said she softly, patting the brown cheek, which was not far from her own.
"What will be to-morrow?" asked he lazily.
"We will start for Thursday Island in the yawl—and be married there."
"No," said he.
"Yes. Englishmen love French girls, and all of them will envy the Lord Topsham with his wife Marie."
"You could not work in my hut or in my garden. I am very rich, and do not work. But my wife must work very hard indeed."
Marie had been thinking over this aspect of Hula matrimony, and had her answer pat.
"You may take a brown girl as your working wife, if you please. She shall labour for both of us, you the Lord and me the white Lady."
"One time, one wife," replied Willatopy stolidly. "I would not take a brown girl to wife until after I had put you away from me."