You are mistaken there, Captain. As far as our hearts are concerned, that was settled before we started.
Charles, said the Captain, marriage is a personal matter in which parents should advise, but never control their children. But if you have agreed, you have my consent. Set the time for the wedding, and I will see that ample arrangements are made.
I think, said Charles, that my mother should be consulted.
Certainly, replied Cora.
I think, said Mrs. Davis, that the marriage should be deferred until we reach home. A few months’ acquaintance may change your feelings. I fear the promise made to Cahoonshee is the moving cause to this engagement. If so, it might be disastrous to both parties.
While Cora was standing at the grave of Mary Powers she resolved that if she married Drake, it should be at her father’s house, and for that reason intended to defer the marriage until they arrived in London. But she didn’t like the reasoning of Mrs. Davis. The idea that any change could take place was preposterous, as she was convinced that Charles loved her, and that her heart was in the right place.
The parties then went into a committee of the whole, and resolved to let all matters rest until they arrived in London.
In a few days the anchor is raised, and the Reindeer starts on her ocean voyage, and in due time entered the Thames.
This brought to Walter’s mind the contrast between the past and present. When he sailed up the river before, all was doubt and uncertainty. Then the object of his affections was far behind, somewhere in the wilderness of America. Now she stood by his side, his Amy, his loving bride. Then it was uncertain how he would be received. Now he knew that he would be welcome and received as the child and heir of two of the first families in London.