Deeply ungrateful as it was to the memory of my noble friend, I could not help looking forward with pleasure to my meeting with her: when I could take her hand, and, looking into her fond eyes, hear her say, “Nothing binds me now; I am yours forever.”
I would then endeavor to plaster over conscience by imagining how fondly we would cherish together the memory of DeVare; how we would pour our mingled tears upon his grave, and feel that his spirit was smiling upon our union. And I would endeavor to convince myself that I would be acting in exact conformity to the wishes of Ramie, could he express them; and I would say a dozen times in a day, “I am sure Ramie had rather she would love me than another.”
A day or two elapsed and I was able to walk about the house before Carlotta had an opportunity of telling me the result of her visit to Lulie.
She said that as soon as she mentioned the subject Lulie had gotten into quite a passion about it, and said she had parents to advise her, and that she was under obligations to no one else for advice; that she would do as she pleased and take the consequences.
“May heaven help her,” I said fervently, as we changed the subject.
[CHAPTER XXVII.]
Ned and I are again at Chapel Hill, in our old room. We found our books and furniture dusty, but undisturbed, and a day’s preparation sufficed to get us in harness again.
It was with great difficulty father had secured my re-admission. His first application was peremptorily refused, but by many letters and pledges to the trustees and faculty, and in consideration of my youth and inexperience, I was at last allowed to go on with my class.
For all this I had made extra resolves of diligence, and had promised father that nothing should divert me from intense application to my books.