He never knew, till this sweet moment, how ardently, how tenderly, she loved him.

He thanked his enemies.

They wreathed their arms sweetly round each other, and trouble and danger seemed a world, an age behind them.

They called each other husband and wife.

Were they not solemnly betrothed?
And had they not stood before the altar together?
Was not the blessing of Holy Church upon their union ?--her curse on all who would part them?
But as no woman's nerves can bear with impunity so terrible a strain.
presently Margaret turned faint, and sank on Gerard's shoulder, smiling feebly, but quite, quite unstrung.