"And you told him that I should consent to this parting?"
"I did, Cora."
"Oh, Gilbert, could you think me so base? Was it not to share my father's sufferings that I came from England to Louisiana? and can he think that I should be so pitiful a coward as to forsake him in his hour of peril? No, no; while he remains his daughter will stay by his side; when he flies she will accompany him."
"Cora, Cora—angelic girl! Let it be as you will. I will obey you!" exclaimed the engineer.
"Tell me, Gilbert, why you were to go to your consul?"
"To smooth the way for our departure, and to confide you to his hospitality."
"Go, then," said Cora; "go, but without me. Engage our berths in an English vessel. We will leave Louisiana; but we will leave with my father. This evening you will let us know the result of your mission."
"But if in the meantime—"
"What can you fear? It is but for a few hours, and this evening we shall meet never to part again. See, here comes Toby to say that the carriage is ready. Farewell, Gilbert, till you return to tell us that all is happily arranged."
"The carriage is ready, massa," said Toby, appearing at the top of the terrace steps.