Part 72 (1/2)

JUDGE

[_standing beside lovers_]

No! Such as they will not destroy marriage--they will save it! They restore the vital substance while we preserve the empty sh.e.l.l.

Everything they have said, everything they have done, proves it. The promise to love--they could not help it--they took it--I heard them. The instinct for secrecy--they felt it--we all do--but straightway they told the next of kin. [_Points to JOHN._] Even when insulted and driven forth from the tribe, they indignantly refused to be driven into each other's arms until you of the same blood could hear them plight their troth!

Believe in marriage? Why, there never was, there never will be a more perfect tribute to true marriage than from this fearless pair you now accuse of seeking to destroy it! [_JOHN tries to interrupt, but the JUDGE waves him down._] They have been not only honorable but old-fas.h.i.+oned, save in the one orthodox detail of accepting the authority const.i.tuted by society for its protection and for _theirs_.

[_To HELEN and ERNEST._] But now, I'm sure, before starting on their wedding journey--another old-fas.h.i.+oned convention they believe in--that, just to please us if not themselves, they will consent to be united in the bonds of holy wedlock by Cousin Theodore who stands ready and waiting with prayer-book in hand.

[_Family subsides. Everybody happy. THEODORE steps up, opens prayer-book._

THEODORE

”Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of G.o.d----”

HELEN

[_suddenly loud and clear_]

Theodore! are you going to marry Rex and Jean?

JOHN

[_impatiently_]

Of course, of course, Mr. Baker's chaplain.

ERNEST

[_recoiling_]

Theodore! You! Are you going to stand up and tell the world that G.o.d has joined those two together--G.o.d?

[_THEODORE looks at JOHN but does not deny it and says nothing._

HELEN

Then you will be blaspheming love--and G.o.d who made it. No, you shall not marry us.

ERNEST

[_agreeing with HELEN_]