The letter was from McLeod, at Asheville, informing him that his daughter was already married, and that Gaston was simply seeking his fortune by a subterfuge, and showing his power over him by humiliating him at the last moment before the world. He enclosed a transcript of the marriage record, signed by the Rev. John Durham, and witnessed by Mrs. Durham and Stella Holt. This record was certified before the Clerk of the Court and bore his seal. There was no doubt whatever of the facts.
When the General handed this letter to Sallie she flushed, looked wistfully into his face, saw its hard expression of speechless anger, turned pale and burst into tears.
Her father without a word went to his room, and locked himself in for twenty-four hours, refusing to see her or speak to her.
On the following day she forced her way into his presence, and they had the last great battle of wills. All the iron power of his unconquered pride, accustomed for a lifetime to command men and receive instant obedience, was roused to the pitch of madness.
“If you marry him I swear to you a thousand times you shall never cross my doorstep, and you shall never receive one penny of my fortune. He is a gambler and an adventurer, and seeks to make me a laughing stock for the world!”
“Papa, nothing could be further from his thoughts. He has always loved and respected you. I assume all the responsibility for our secret marriage.”
“Then sharper than a serpent’s tooth is the ingratitude of a disobedient child!”
“But, Papa, I waited five years of patient suffering trying to obey you,” she protested.
“I had rather see you dead than to see you marry that man now, and have him sneer his triumph in my face.”
“We are already married. Why talk like that?” she pleaded tearfully.