She sent her messages by her father.
“So soon will come our life-long happiness,” she said, “we must bear this parting now.”
At last Eëtíon was in serious misery for the trials looming ahead. He sent question to Theria by Nikander.
“Had she thought of all the future? Did she want to decide again?”
Nikander came back laughing.
“Never send me on such an errand again, young man,” he told him. “She was almost as abusive as old Tuchè herself. She said she had not supposed that you would so insult her. That if she were as great a fool as you seem to be she would retaliate by distrusting your love. But that she does not do. She trusts your love, and you by this time should trust hers.”
Eëtíon laughed joyously. “Apollo bless her! she is as lovely in her anger as in everything else!”
Upon which Nikander named him an Eros-infatuated youth.
But the incident cleared the air. From that time Nikander trusted his daughter’s decision. So, Melantho having made ready the linens, garments, and embroideries she considered essential, Theria and Eëtíon were betrothed before witnesses, solemnly in the aula. For a few happy moments they stood together and touched hands, though Theria had to be veiled. The ceremony was more binding than the wedding which was to follow later. Theria returned to her room knowing that now she belonged to Eëtíon as his goods and chattels belonged, but her heart was singing for joy.