She twined her arms about his neck, and he clasped her to his heart with passionate emotion.
"Cora," he exclaimed; "Cora, is it you?"
"Dearest father, how could you think that your daughter would consent to depart without you?"
"Alas, alas, my unhappy child!" murmured Gerald.
"Ah, my father, why this terror, this agitation? What is it you fear?"
"Nothing, nothing, Cora. Shall not I be here to guard and save you? My Cora, my darling, you love me then, you forgive me?"
"Forgive you? My father, it is I who would ask forgiveness."
Once more the planter strained her to his heart.
"This moment repays me for all I have suffered," he exclaimed, "Oh, Heaven; I am too happy!" Then rising, with a gesture of terror, he cried, "Happy, did I say? Happy, when—hark!"
He paused, clasping Cora in his arms, and listening intently.