promise may be dead, for all thee knows.'

"'Hush! thee makes me to see him, and though the dead rise not here, I
am some way assured he is not yet dead, and may come and say to me,
"'Cilla"--that is what he called me--"thee remembers the night and thy
promise, and the lightning all around us, and who took thee to shore
from the wrecked packet on the Bulkhead Bar." The life he saved I
promised.'

"Well, and thee knows--By Heaven! you well enough know who tortured the
life he gave--who robbed you--who grew to be a mean sot, and went away
and left you; and to such you hold, with such keep faith, and wear out
the sweetness of life waiting for him!'

"'Richard!'

"'Have I also not waited, and given up for thee a life, a career--little
to give. I hope thee knows I feel that. Has thee no limit, Priscilla?
Thee knows--God help me! how well you know--I love you. The world, the
old world of war and venture, pulls at me always. Will not you find it
worth while to put out a hand of help? Would it not be God taking your
hand and putting it in mine?'

"'Thee knows I love thee.'

"'And if the devil sent him back to curse you anew--'

"'Shame, Richard! I would say, God, who layeth out for each his way, has
pointed mine.'