At last, his master said to him one day, "You've been to the cottage, I suppose, Tom ?" "Yes, Massa." "How are they getting on there ?" "Missy Rosy hab bin bery sick, but she done better now." "Why didn't you tell me, you black rascal ?" "Massa hab neber ax me," replied Tom.
Mr.Fitzgerald found some food for vanity in this news.

He presumed the illness was caused by love for him, which Rosa found herself unable to conquer.

This idea was very pleasant to him; for it was not easy to relinquish the beautiful young creature who had loved him so exclusively.

Making a pretext of business, he mounted his horse and rode off; throwing a farewell kiss to his bride as he went.

For greater security, he travelled a few moments in another direction, and then sought the sequestered cottage by a circuitous route.