During next day, Henry’s mind was in such a state of uneasiness and suspense, that I could, with great difficulty, bring him to make the necessary arrangements in the event of her escaping with him. It was necessary that he should apply to his commanding officer for permission to marry; and I advised him to disclose the whole matter to him, well knowing that such a character as he was would take an interest in his fate. Henry took my advice, and having called on Colonel L., disclosed every circumstance connected with the affair. Colonel L. listened with attention, and seemed much interested. The story in part was not new to him; he had heard it from some of the principal inhabitants. He reasoned the matter with Henry like a father; represented the difficulty which would lie in his path—marrying a foreigner of a different religion—the hardships she would have to endure—and the many difficulties which two people, marrying so young, would have to encounter. ‘But,’ said he, ‘I suppose all these things appear as trifles to you at present.’ Henry owned that his affection was too deeply rooted to be moved by these considerations. ‘Well,’ said Colonel L., ‘if you are determined on trying the experiment, and that she is agreeable, I have no objection to giving you permission to marry, but I cannot say you have my approbation.’ Henry, however, it may be easily imagined, was not to be moved by sober reasoning. The time of meeting arrived, and Henry, trembling with suspense and apprehension, accompanied me to the garden. We were not long there, when Maria arrived with a few articles of wearing apparel, which she had hurriedly collected. ‘Well, Maria,’ said I, ‘have you decided—are you ready to accompany us?’ ‘I don’t know,’ said she, ‘I am so filled with apprehension, that I cannot think or speak.’ ‘Say the word,’ said I, ‘all is ready.’ ‘Oh, I don’t know,’ said she. ‘Either let me return into the house, or let us leave this, or I shall die with fear: I am sure I have been observed. O Jesu, Maria! there they come—I am lost.’