CHAPTER XIII.
MARRIED AND YET NOT MARRIED.
Bernard was now at the very acme of fame.

He had succeeded in becoming the most noted negro of his day.

He felt that the time was not ripe for him to gather up his wealth and honors and lay them, with his heart, at Viola's feet.

One afternoon he invited Viola to go out buggy riding with him, and decided to lay bare his heart to her before their return home.

They drove out of Norfolk over Campostella bridge and went far into the country, chatting pleasantly, oblivious of the farm hands preparing the soil for seed sowing; for it was in balmy spring.
About eight o'clock they were returning to the city and Bernard felt his veins throbbing; for he had determined to know his fate before he reached Viola's home.