About a week before the voyage, Roland said one night: "I think now, Denasia, that we have everything packed, I shall run down to St. Penfer and see my sister. I may never come back from America. Indeed, I do not think I shall ever want to come back, and I really ought to bid Elizabeth good-bye. She will doubtless also remember me in money matters, and in a strange country money is always a good friend. Is it not, dear? What do you think, Denasia?"
"I have been thinking a great deal of St. Penfer. My heart is like to break when I think of it. I do want to see my father and mother so much."
"You would only get a heart-break, my love. They would have no end of reproaches for you. I shall never forget your mother. Her temper was awful!"
"You must have said something awful to aggravate her, Roland. Mother has a quick temper, but it is also noble and generous. I do want to see her. I must see her once more. Let us go together."
"To St. Penfer? What a foolish idea! You would only give yourself a wretched memory to carry through your whole life."
"Never mind! I want to go to St. Penfer."
"How can you? I cannot take you to Burrell Court, Denasia."
"I would not put my foot inside Burrell Court."
"Then if I went there and you went to your father's house, that would look very bad. People would say all kinds of wicked things."
"We could stop together at the Black Lion. From there you could call upon Elizabeth. From there I could go to my father and mother. Even if they should be cruel to me, I want to see them. I want to see them. If father should strike me--well, I deserve it. I will kiss his hand for the blow! That is how I feel, Roland."
"I shall not permit my wife to go to any place where she expects to be struck. That is how I feel, Denasia."
"You are ashamed to take me to St. Penfer as your wife. And yet you owe me this reparation."
"There is no use discussing such a foolish statement. I do not think I owe you anything, Denasia. I have given you my name; at this very moment I am considering your welfare. You know that money is necessary, and as much of it as we can get; but Elizabeth will give me nothing if you are tagging after me."
"If you are going begging, Roland, that alters the question. I have no desire to 'tag' after you on that errand. As for Elizabeth, I hate her."
