Then Chester feels upon him his bride’s kiss with lips that are cold as death itself; and she rising steps out to her father and says with hoarse, unnatural voice: “It is done!”
For this place is like a torture chamber now, and the voices of all are low and discordant; even Hermoine s own tones have grown harsh and rasping.
“He is absolved?”
“No, he is married.”
“What?”
“YES, HE HAS MARRIED ME.”
“Married you! Misericordia! You will forever look upon your father as your husband’s butcher. Bring me the accursed priest!” cries he of Alva, rage mingling with his anguish. [[264]]
“What would you of me?” answers Father Anastasius, striding from the altar.
“How dared you marry them?”
“By command of the Virgin! See! Our Mother has taken the face of his bride to protect him.”