It cannot be overcome; it must not be forgotten.

You will pledge me this ?" "Yes--I pledge you." "And, in spite of that drop of black blood, as long as we are together, you will hold me a woman, worthy of respect and honor?
Not a creature, a chattel, a plaything ?" "Will you accept my hand ?" "Yes." "Then I will answer you, Rene Beaucaire," I said, soberly, "with all frankness, black or white I am your friend, and never, through any word or act of mine, shall you ever regret that friendship." Her wide-open eyes gazed straight at me.

It seemed as if she would never speak.

Then I felt the tightening pressure of her hand, and her head bent slowly forward as though in the instinct of prayer.
"Thank God!" she whispered softly.

"Now I can go with you." I waited breathless, conscious of the trembling of her body against mine.