She nodded solemnly.
"It's the truth," she repeated.

"She and Nat are promised to each other.
Cap'n Eben, on his deathbed, asked Dr.Parker and me to be witnesses to the engagement.

Now you see why you mustn't go nigh her again." He did not answer.

Instead, he stood silently staring.

She stepped forward and laid a hand on his shoulder.
"Set down, John," she said.