‘It was his _life_, Mr Courtney, and I should not be his daughter were I unmindful of it. I should have liked to relieve you of the burden, now _he_ is gone, but I don’t know what I could do, without friends, and in a foreign country. So I will remain on (as you are good enough to propose), and work among your plantation hands, and do all I possibly can to return your kindness to us both.’ ‘Lizzie, my dear, I don’t wish you to think of it as if it were a favour. The obligation is quite as much on my side. And you mustn’t speak of yourself as friendless, either, my dear. You have friends on all sides, I am sure of that. You know what _I_ feel towards you; and here is Captain Norris, grieving only second to myself for your loss; and every one in San Diego loves and respects you. You may take my word for that, Lizzie.’ Mr Courtney had risen, as if to take his departure, whilst he spoke, and now stood in the doorway, with his straw hat in his hand, and beckoned her towards him. ‘By the way,’ he added, in a lower tone, ‘what do you intend to do about that child, Lizzie?’ jerking his head towards Rosa and the baby. ‘What should I do about it?’ she returned. ‘I know no place to send it to. It was in the charge of Mammy Lila, but she died of the fever. I suppose I must keep it here.’ ‘Where are its parents?’ demanded the planter inquisitively. ‘It has none, Mr Courtney, or none who will own it.’ ‘Dear me! That is very strange, and very awkward. Who confided it to your father’s care?’ ‘I am not at liberty to tell you, sir.’ ‘Do you know then?’ She paused for a moment, and then answered, in a husky tone,-- ‘Yes.’ ‘And you will not tell me, Lizzie?’ ‘I am bound under a solemn oath, Mr Courtney, not to reveal anything about that child, and I must beg of you not to question me.’ ‘It looks bad for you, my dear, and may be the cause of a great deal of future unhappiness. There are not so many Europeans on the island that such an event can occur without comment; and if you persist in holding your tongue on the subject, people _will_ talk about it, and to your disadvantage.’ ‘Then they _must_ talk, Mr Courtney,’ replied Lizzie boldly, though she had turned very pale. ‘I cannot break my promise to my father, for any consideration, not even to save my reputation.’ ‘Lizzie,’ whispered the planter presently, ‘promise me at least to send the child away. Let _me_ send it away for you. You don’t know _what_ people are saying about you. Even De Courcelles has heard the rumour, and came to me for an explanation of it. I will ask you no questions, my dear, but let me help you in the matter by sending the infant to one of the sister islands. I cannot bear to think that any one should dare to say a word against you, for your father’s sake.’