He rides with me to Zululand on Monday, as you do, and wants to wed your daughter to-morrow, which is Sunday, a good day for the deed." "It is a day to pray, not to give and be given in marriage," commented Marais sulkily.

"Moreover, Marie does not come of age before Monday, and until then the oath that I made to God holds." "My vatdoek for your oath!" exclaimed the vrouw, flapping that awful rag in his face.

"How much do you suppose that God cares what you in your folly swore to that stinkcat of a nephew of yours?
Do you be careful, Henri Marais, that God does not make of your precious oath a stone to fall upon your head and break it like a peanut-shell." "Hold your chattering tongue, old woman," said Marais furiously.

"Am I to be taught my duty to my conscience and my daughter by you ?" "Certainly you are, if you cannot teach them to yourself," began the vrouw, setting her hands upon her hips.
But Retief pushed her aside, saying: "No quarrelling here.

Now, Henri Marais, your conduct about these two young people who love each other is a scandal.