She had the curiosity of a young doe.

Receiving no answer, she untied the ribbons and unrolled the parchment to investigate its contents for herself.

When the parchment was unrolled, she began to read:-- "In the name of God, amen.

This indenture of agreement, looking to union in the holy bonds of marriage between the Right Honorable Lord James Stanley of the first part, and Mistress Dorothy Vernon of Haddon of the second part--" She read no farther.

She crumpled the beautiful parchment in her hands, walked over to the fire, and quietly placed the sacred instrument in the midst of the flames.