He had not long to await; he descended to the terrace, and in less than ten minutes he was joined by the Octoroon, who looked pale and anxious in the early morning light.
She scarcely paused for their customary greeting.
"My father arrived last night, Gilbert," she said, "and you and he were together for some time, were you not?"
"We were, Cora."
"Tell me, then, what passed between you?"'
"He communicated sad news to me, Cora! A thousand dangers threaten us. He trembles for you, and he commands our immediate departure from Louisiana. It is for that purpose that I summoned you so early. We are to start this very morning."
"Leave Louisiana, and without him?"
"Yes, without him. He is determined to stay until the last, to fight against ruin; but he will not have you share his danger. The carriage will be ready in a few moments, all arrangements are made. I am to take you from here to the house of the British Consul, and thence, please Heaven, to a free State, where I am to make you my wife."
"But why does my father dismiss me thus—without one word of affection or farewell?"
"Nay, Cora," replied Gilbert Margrave, "do not accuse him. His last words were words of love, broken by sobs of anguish."