When Thorpe left New Orleans his plan was to return on the next steamer but one, then to go North to New York or Boston,-he had friends in both cities,-and amuse himself in new fields until he was permitted to return to California. He sought distraction, for although he was reasonably sure of Nina’s power to conquer herself, and intended to marry her whether she did or not, separation and time deepened his passion for her, and he only found peace of mind in filling his hours to the brim. It is doubtful if he would have consented to remain the year out were it not that he wished to admire her as much as she longed to have him. Her pride and confidence in herself would invigorate the happiness of both.
He left orders in New Orleans to have his mail held over until his return. Harold was ver
