The Conqueror

They sailed over to Nevis, accompanied by a dozen slaves, and took possession of Rachael’s house in Main Street.  It stood at the very end of the town, beyond the point where the street ceased and the road round the Island began.  The high wall of the garden surrounded a grove of palms and cocoanut trees.  Only sojourners from England had occupied the big comfortable house, and it was in good repair.

When the acute stage of her grief had passed, it was idle for Rachael to deny to Hamilton that she was happy.  And at that time she had not a care in the world, nor had he.  Their combined incomes made them as careless of money as any planter on the Island.  Every ship from England brought them books and music, and Hamilton was not only the impassioned lover but the tenderest and most patient of husbands.  Coaches dashed by and the occupants cast up eyes and hands.  The gay life of Nevis pulsed unheeded about the high walls, whose gates were always locked.  The kinsman of the leading families of the Island and the most beautiful daughter of old John and Mary Fawcett were a constant and agitating theme, but two people lived their life of secluded and poignant happiness, and took Nevis or St. Kitts into little account.