“Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder!
“Forasmuch as James Anthony and Mary Adams have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth, each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving a Ring, and by joining hands; I pronounce that they are Man and Wife, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”
The preacher lifted his hands solemnly above their heads.
“God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with His favor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting. AMEN.”
The preacher took Mary's hand.
“Your father is my friend, child. This is for him——”
He bent quickly and kissed her lips, while Jim gasped in astonishment.
The minister's wife congratulated them both. The two older children smilingly advanced and added their voices in good wishes.
Mary whispered to Jim:
“Don't forget the preacher's fee!”