“As to the Kennyfeck affair, it was better than getting into a matrimonial scrape, which I fancy I have rescued him from.”
“Oh, no, nothing of the kind. Pirate as he is, he would n't venture on that.”
“Why so?—what do you mean?”
“Simply, that he is married already; at least, that species of betrothal which goes for marriage in his free and easy country.”
“Married!” exclaimed Linton, in utter amazement; “and he never even hinted in the most distant manner to this.”
“And yet the obligation is sufficiently binding, according to Columbian law, to give his widow the benefit of all property he might die possessed of in that Republic.”
“And he knows this himself?”
“So well, that he has already proposed a very large sum as forfeit to break the contract.”
“And this has been refused?”
“Yes. The girl's father has thought it better to follow your own plan, and make 'a waiting race,' well knowing, that if Cashel does not return to claim her as his wife,—or that, which is not improbable, she may marry more advantageously,—he will always be ready to pay the forfeit.”