We had already spent many hours together, Rarahu and I, on the bank of the Fataoua river, when Pomare made the startling suggestion that we should be married. And Pomare, who knew everything she cared to know, knew that perfectly well. I had hesitated a long time. I had rebelled with all my might-and this strange state of things had gone on beyond all reason for several days; when we lay down for our noonday nap on the grass, Rarahu with her arms round me, we went to sleep side by side for the world like two brothers.