Philip Treverton asked permission to accompany his old partner to the pavilion. Mortimer Percy remained with his cousin Adelaide.
Two days after this happy evening, Mortimer led his fair bride to the altar.
The ceremonial took place thus hurriedly in order that Cora—the Octoroon, the once despised slave—might officiate as bridesmaid at her old schoolfellow's wedding.
The bride was given away by her brother Augustus, and Gilbert Margrave acted as "best man" to the bridegroom.
On the day following, Gilbert, Cora, and Leslie were to bid adieu to New Orleans.
The marriage ceremony was performed with great splendor, and a sumptuous banquet was given by Augustus Horton to the most distinguished inhabitants of New Orleans.
It had been intended that Cora Leslie should appear at this banquet; and there was considerable curiosity felt upon the subject by the guests who knew the leading particulars of her story, and who were anxious to see the heroine of such romantic adventures.
They were disappointed, however, for, just as the bride was taking her place at the table, the Quadroon slave, Myra, slipped a note into her hand.
It was from Cora, and ran thus:
"Dearest Adelaide,—Forgive me if I have disobeyed you in withdrawing from your brilliant assembly. All your visitors are not as generous as yourself; and there may be many amongst your guests whose prejudices would be outraged by the presence of a daughter of the despised race. I have a sacred duty to perform before leaving Louisiana; and I go with Gilbert to fulfill it during the hours of your festivity.