"I will do what you wish," he said, in a low voice, "I will marry you to Finland in Bethgamul."
Tera uttered an exclamation of joy, and kissed the hand she held. He winced at that soft touch. The girl turned to go, but he stopped her before she could reach the door.
"Take Tolai with you," he said gently.
"Ioé! Mr. Carwell told me to bring him back."
"Never go anywhere without Tolai."
"Not even when I go with Jack?"
"Not even then," said Johnson, decisively. "Wherever you go, Tolai must be by your side. It is Viara's wish."
"I will obey. But why this protection, Misi?"
"That you shall know later. At present, be content to learn that Viara wishes you to be attended constantly by Tolai. He was sent to me for that purpose. Now go, my dear. We shall meet again soon."
When Tera left the room, Johnson felt a strange calm stealing over him. His mad passion seemed to be wearing itself out by its own violence. No longer did he feel despair when Tera left his side, and he hoped that when called upon to fulfil his projected sacrifice he would be able to do it with calmness and dignity. It was with a feeling of relief to him that his malady of the heart was passing away. Soon he would be a free man; would be able to attend to his religious duties as of yore unhindered by the storm and stress of a hopeless love. He would return to his studies, to his old meditative life. But Miss Arnott? As the thought of her entered his mind, Johnson recalled his debts and the burden of gratitude which she had placed on his shoulders. Unless he could discharge that claim, by repaying the money she had lent him--and Johnson knew not where to obtain so large a sum--he feared the discharge would have to take the form of marriage. The idea dismayed him, still it was not so unpalatable to him as it had been.