So, Allan, as I would not grieve him, or perhaps lead him to say and do what is foolish, I think it would be well that we should wait for those six months, if, on his part, he promises that he will then do nothing to prevent our marriage." "Ja, ja, I promise that then I will do nothing to prevent your marriage," answered Marais eagerly, like one who has suddenly seen some loophole of escape from an impossible position, adding, as though to himself, "But God may do something to prevent it, for all that." "We are every one of us in the hand of God," she replied in her sweet voice.

"Allan, you hear, my father has promised ?" "Yes, Marie, he has promised--after a fashion," I replied gloomily, for somehow his words struck a chill through me.
"I have promised, Allan, and I will keep my promise to you, as I have kept my oath to God, attempting to work you no harm, and leaving all in His hands.

But you, on your part, must promise also that, till she is of age, you will not take Marie as a wife--no, not if you were left alone together in the veld.

You must be as people who are affianced to each other, no more." So, having no choice, I promised, though with a heavy heart.

Then, I suppose in order to make this solemn contract public, Marais called the surviving Boers, who were loitering near, and repeated to them the terms of the contract that we had made.
The men laughed and shrugged their shoulders.