At least, he changed his tone and began to argue, almost to plead.
"Be reasonable, Allan," he said.

"How can you marry Marie when there is no predicant to marry you?
Surely, if you love her so much, you would not pour mud upon her name, even in this wilderness ?" "She might not think it mud," I replied.

"Men and women have been married without the help of priests before now, by open declaration and public report, for instance, and their children held to be born in wedlock.

I know that, for I have read of the law of marriage." "It may be, Allan, though I hold no marriage good unless the holy words are said.

But why do you not let me come to the end of my story ?" "Because I thought it was ended, Mynheer Marais." "Not so, Allan.