I remember one day soon after breakfast Mary and her father came with a
number of other Indians, Mary's aunt with the rest. A large canoe was
packed and fitted out with all things necessary for a long voyage. The
chief and Mary's aunt were going to Canada on a visit and Mary was to
stay with us till her father returned. Her father took four men and
Mary's aunt with him. Soon all was ready. They shook hands and away sped
the bark canoe over the waves. Mary at first was sad to have her father
go, but soon was cheerful again. She helped mother with her sewing and
worked two pretty pairs of moccasins and made leggings and pretty
garters. Some of the work was for her father. Time passed and it began
to be time for the Chief's return. Mary grew restless as many storms
came. She would look out over the waters for hours. Mother tried hard to
comfort her and tell her all would be well. But Mary must see to
believe. Her faith could not reach out very far into unseen things.
Grandpa tried to comfort her. He would kneel down and pray for her
father's return.
One day a young Indian came to our house to see and talk to Mary. Mother
told me afterward he was Mary's lover and had promised her father not
to visit Mary in his absence. Hearing how worried she was he had broken
his promise. Mary seemed very sad, talked very little to him, and only
when mother was present. She had also promised her father not to meet
him while he was gone. The Chief had not given his full consent to their
marriage. Another Chief's son had asked for Mary to be given him in
marriage, which was now Mary's father's business away in Canada. She
worried not so much for her father's absence as she feared her father
and the Canadian chief would come to a satisfactory understanding and
that she might be compelled to marry the Canadian lover whose father had
much land and stock. She felt worried because her lover had broken his
word to her father and she feared his displeasure. Indians are very
strict about their laws and customs.