"She is beautiful, and a widow, and a fitting mate for a strong man like thee," replied Velo energetically. "I have seen many white women, but none so good to look upon as her. And she is a widow."
"What has that to do with me? Did I make her a widow?"
"Do not mock at me, Parri," answered the Samoan with grave respect; "but because she is a widow and thou art working for her to overcome her enemies, it is but right and proper that thou shouldst make her thy wife."
"And what of the woman in Sydney to whom I am pledged?"
"Totogi lona aiga," [4] said Velo. "If she be young and handsome she will find another lover, and can have no cause of complaint against thee if thou dost compensate her."
Barry had a strong sense of humour, so he said he would think the matter over, whereat Velo seemed well pleased, and relapsed into silence for a few minutes. Then he began again.
"Parri, I would like to tell thee of a little thing which is in my mind."
"All right, Velo, go ahead," said Barry in English, as he sat up and filled his pipe; "what is the 'little thing'?"
"Only that I desire the girl Paní for my wife."
"That will be all right, Velo," said Barry lazily; "but why marry a woman of this wild place when there are better in Samoa?"