In another instant Mohun was standing beside Miss Georgia, and the ceremony began.
It was not destined to proceed far.
The clergyman had nearly finished the exhortation with which the “form for the solemnization of matrimony,” commences.
All at I once I was certain that I heard steps on the portico, and in the hall of the mansion.
The rest seemed not to hear them, however, and Mr. Hope continued the ceremony.
“Into this holy estate,” he went on, “these two persons present come now to be joined. If any man can show just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace.”
As he uttered the words the door was suddenly burst open, and Darke entered the apartment with the gray woman.
In the midst of the stupor of astonishment, she advanced straight toward Georgia Conway, twined her arm in that of the young lady, and said quietly:—
“How do you do, cousin? I am Lucretia Conway. Your father is my uncle. I have come to show just cause why you cannot marry General Mohun—my husband!”