Our parting was tender, yet full of hope for a speedy meeting.

I had already made up my mind to visit New Orleans about January, and remain there during the winter.
Our marriage was then to be solemnized.
"After the sailing of the Empress, I returned to Troy, to await the news of her safe arrival at New Orleans.

I felt gloomy and desolate, and for my uncompanionable humor received sundry playful jibes or open-rebukes from my friends.

In about a week I began to examine the shipping lists of the New York papers, in the hope of seeing some notice of the good ship that contained my heart's best treasure.

But no record of her having been spoken at sea met my eyes as I scanned the newspapers day after day with an eager and increasing hope, until four, five, and six weeks had passed away.