Clotelle had been at the parson's but a few weeks when it was observed that a mutual feeling had grown up between her and Jerome.

As time rolled on, they became more and more attached to each other.

After satisfying herself that these two really loved, Georgiana advised their marriage.

But Jerome contemplated his escape at some future day, and therefore feared that if married it might militate against it.

He hoped, also, to be able to get Clotelle away too, and it was this hope that kept him from trying to escape by himself.