True, at that time, she seemed to acquiesce to the dying man’s request. Was this real, or was it an acquiescence to please an aged warrior, and dismissed from her mind when death had closed his eyes?
I will know, now and here, he thought to himself.
He offered Cora his arm, and they walked to the upper end of Butternut Grove. Seating themselves, he said:
Cora, you remember the occasion on the ship, when all were present, and Cahoonshee joined our hands, and asked me to make you my wife? I consider that promise sacred, and my love of the memory of the dead tells me to keep it. But with you, it is different. I have no right to insist that you should keep a promise given under such circumstances. Tell me frankly, Cora, do you feel yourself bound by that promise?
Cora seized both of his hands, and looked intently into his eyes, said:
Charles, do you wish me to keep that promise?
Drake was not prepared to answer this straight forward question, and wished for time to collect his thoughts. Cora noticed his confusion, and said:
I will answer your question. I do feel myself bound by that promise—not that I made it to Cahoonshee, but from the fact that my heart was yours before that promise was made.
When? he asked.