Jacques followed with Louise, his face waxing in anxiety, until a heavy heart brought down his knees with a bump behind Dollard and that unknown dame.
“How is this, my son?” inquired Father de Casson of Dollard as he rested his eyes on the commandant’s bride.
“Father, let the service go on at once, and I will make all due explanation when there is more time. The civil marriage is completed.”
Father de Casson took his book to administer the sacrament of marriage to these two pairs, when Jacques, walking on his knees, brought himself behind Dollard’s ear.
“Father,” he whispered to the priest, the hisses of his suppressed voice scattering through the place, “I have on my mind what must first be said to my master.”
“When did ye all confess last?” inquired Dollier de Casson.
“Father,” urged Dollard, “believe me, we are all prepared for the sacrament of marriage.”
“But, m’sieur,” anxiously hissed Jacques at his ear, “I did not know you were going to take a wife too.”
“Suppose you didn’t know,” exclaimed Dollard, turning towards him in impatience; “what is it to you?”