the richest men in the Colony. I know that he wishes to marry Marie."

"How do you know it, father?"

"Because Marais told me so this afternoon, probably with a purpose. He
was struck with her beauty when he first saw her after your escape,
which he had not done since she was a child, and as he stopped to guard
the house while the rest went after the Quabies--well, you can guess.
Such things go quickly with these Southern men."

I hid my face in the pillow, biting my lips to keep back the groan that
was ready to burst from them, for I felt the hopelessness of the
situation. How could I compete with this rich and fortunate man, who
naturally would be favoured of my betrothed's father? Then on the
blackness of my despair rose a star of hope. I could not, but perchance
Marie might. She was very strong-natured and very faithful. She was
not to be bought, and I doubted whether she could be frightened.

"Father," I said, "I may never marry Marie, but I don't think that
Hernando Pereira ever will either."

"Why not, my boy?"

"Because she loves me, father, and she is not one to change. I believe
that she would rather die."

"Then she must be a very unusual sort of woman. Still, it may be so;
the future will tell to those who live to see it. I can only pray and
trust that whatever happens will be for the best for both of you. She
is a sweet girl and I like her well, although she may be Boer--or