“I will heed when my heart tells me the way: hit will be the way to you, Cass.”

“Oh, don’t say it that way, Frale. Now say, ‘So help me God,’ and don’t think of me whilst you say it.”

“Put your hand on mine, Cass. Lift hit up an’ say with me that word.” She placed her palm on his uplifted palm. “So help me, God,” they said together. Then, with streaming tears, she put her arms about his neck and gently drew his face down to her own.

“I’ll go back now, Frale, and you do all I’ve said. Go quick. I’ll write Bishop Towahs, and he’ll watch out for you, and find you work. Let Doctah Thryng help you. He sure is a good man. Oh, if you only could write!”