"And what did Dora say?" went on Mrs. Stanhope, after a pause, during which Josiah Crabtree took a turn up and down the deck.
"She is perfectly willing that we should marry, but under one condition."
"And what is that?"
"I hardly dare to tell you—it is so peculiar. She doesn't wish to be present at the ceremony."
"Not present?"
"No. She says it would not be right. That she very foolishly made a vow never to be present should you marry again, and that she must keep that vow. She feels her position keenly, but she won't break her vow."
Such a statement would have aroused any ordinary woman, but Mrs. Stanhope appeared to be completely in Josiah Crabtree's power, and all she did now was to draw a long sigh and then wipe away a tear which stole down her pallid face.
"I do not think it right that I should marry without Dora being present."
"Pooh! If the girl wishes to remain away, let her do so. She will soon come to her senses and be glad of the way matters have turned."
"You do not know Dora. She is very—very headstrong at times."