"Yes, in spite of everything. Love is our wealth, and we are so happy in the possession of it."
"Yet you want to run away from us all!"
"Yes, since you will have it so; do you consent?"
"Submissively."
It was so arranged, then, that Della should leave on one of the evening up-river boats, and the rest of the day was spent in the hurry and bustle of preparation.
Though Minny had felt really unhappy at the idea of being left alone with Bernard, toward whom she stood in
such a peculiar relation, she studiously concealed her feelings from Della, not wishing to mar the bright anticipations in which she was indulging; and, smothering her own forebodings, hoped for the best.
The parting hour arrived, and with many charges, and tears, and warnings, Della clung to her husband and her baby, regretting, even at the last moment, that she had made up her mind to part with them.
"Dear Bernard, I leave Minny in your charge; take precious care of her for my sake. A great charge I leave with you, dearest—my boy and dear Minny. You must be mother and sister till I come back."
"I will, love; truly is my charge a sacred one."