"Our acquaintance hath been of the shortest," he said genially,
when the maid, the witnesses, and I had reached the foot of the
hillock, "but I have taken a liking to you and would fain do you a
service. Moreover, I lack employment. The maids take me for a
hedge parson, and sheer off to my brethren, who truly are of a
more clerical appearance. Whereas if they could only look upon
the inner man! You have been long in choosing, but have doubtless
chosen" - He glanced from me to the woman beside me, and broke
off with open mouth and staring eyes. There was excuse, for her
beauty was amazing. "A paragon," he ended, recovering himself.
"Marry us quickly, friend," I said. "Clouds are gathering, and we
have far to go."
He came down from his mound, and we went and stood before
him. I had around my neck the gold chain given me upon a certain
occasion by Prince Maurice, and in lieu of other ring I now twisted
off the smallest link and gave it to her.
"Your name?" asked Master Sparrow, opening his book.
"Ralph Percy, Gentleman."
"And yours?" he demanded, staring at her with a somewhat too
apparent delight in her beauty.
She flushed richly and bit her lip.
He repeated the question.
She stood a minute in silence, her eyes upon the darkening sky.
Then she said in a low voice, "Jocelyn Leigh."
It was not the name I had watched the Cape Merchant strike off his
list.
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