Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/60

42 that no child or relative of Elberfeld's should marry a white man; and that, fondly as he loved his niece, he would rather see her dead than the wife of a Dutchman.

At once disappointed and exasperated, the officer left the house, determined on defeating the views of the uncle by some plan; for though the lovers had never interchanged words, their eyes had faithfully interpreted those feelings of the heart by which both were inspired.

Affairs connected with the conspiracy in which he had engaged demanding Elberfeld's utmost attention, and the vigilance with which he watched Meeda being in consequence relaxed, it was not long before the officer found opportunities to meet his inamorata, and soon obtained her consent to a private marriage.

Meeda, however, could not thus set herself in opposition to her uncle without some conflicting feelings. The remembrance of his uniform