"'Just what a foolish woman always supposes. Why I have been as true
to you as the waters of the glorious river, which sweeps past our
island home, have been constant in their tendency toward the sea.'

"'I believe it, and now you will pardon me, will you, not?'

"'Of course I do,' he continued; 'and, had I been as faithful to
myself as I have been loyal to you, I would not now be suffering the
woe you have so plainly seen on my face.'

"'Tell me, dear, for I can guide you out of it--I know I can.'

"'No, not now,' he answered; then he kissed me and walked away.

"Something terrible was coming--I knew it. The curses which had been
heaped upon us for disobedience were about to bear fruit. Now,
strange, rough-looking men came to see my husband--persons whom I had
not seen before. They seemed familiar with him; it was evident,
however, that their presence was distasteful to him; he tried to keep
them at a distance, he shrank from them. I said I did not like these
acquaintances; he replied that they were commercial friends, and must
be treated with respect. They had long and mysterious conversations
together. They would go to the other shore and return, bringing other
companions equally ill-looking.

"One dark night the dip of oars was heard, and as the boat was run
upon the pebbly shore, four men stepped briskly out, and laboriously
lifted and carried a large, heavy, oblong box, and placed it in the
cellar. John said it was merchandise, and must be stored; it was
unsalable now, and it was best to keep it until there was a market