"Do I believe in marriage?" she smiled. "What a singular question. Of course I do."
"What do you understand by marriage?" he persisted.
Grace thought for a moment and then readily replied:
"Marriage is a contract entered into by a man and woman by which they become husband and wife."
Nodding assent, he went on:
"That is to say, a contract entered into between themselves?"
"Not exactly," replied Grace hesitatingly. "Rather I should say an act before a magistrate or a religious ceremony by which the legal relationship is sanctioned by the law and church."
"Then, without such act or ceremony, you would not consider a marriage binding or right?"
"No," answered Grace emphatically.