"Whatever you say, little girl! I'll shut off the lights on my machine and get my traps."
Archie, testing his searchlight, let its beam fall upon Abijah as though by accident and found Sally's lover a very well-dressed, decent-looking fellow. All his life he would be proud of his daring in saving Sally Walker from marriage with the odious widower and mating her with the youth of her choice. The bride and groom elect were established in the back seat and he experienced a sharp jealous twinge, when, turning to ask her a question about the road, he caught them in a rapturous kiss. This was what it meant to be young and free, and youth and freedom were things he had never until now appraised at their true worth. Having captured and mounted destiny he would ride with a tight rein and relentless spur. The immediate affair was much to his taste, and he meditated making it his business in future to befriend lovers in difficulties.
"How long do we stop at Brattleboro?" he asked over his shoulder.
"Only long enough to get the knot tied," Abijah answered. "I was in town this afternoon and everything's set."
"I hope," said Sally, "you'll give the bride away; it would be just fine of you, Mr. Comly."
"I was hoping you'd ask me," he flung back. "I want to be as prominent in the wedding party as possible."
The last time he had figured in a wedding he had been best man for a college friend who had been married at high noon in Grace Church, before an audience notably distinguished in New York society. Sally's nuptials were blest in a little parsonage, with the minister's wife and daughter and Archie as the sole witnesses. The minister had only lately come to town and therefore confined his inquiries to the strict requirements of ecclesiastical and Vermont law. When he lifted his head to ask who giveth this woman Archie bestowed Sally upon Abijah with just the touch of grace and dignity he had long noted as the accepted manner of giving a woman in marriage in the most exacting circles.
The groom sheepishly dug two one-dollar bills out of his trousers pocket and the sum striking Archie as a pitifully inadequate fee he slipped a ten-dollar bill into the minister's hand as the bride and groom were hurrying from the house.
"Well, Sally," Archie remarked, as he joined them, "for better or worse you are married. I certainly wish you all good luck."
"We'll be back in a week and everything will be smooth as butter," Sally declared lightly.