She did not answer. Knocking on the door until it was opened, she faced Judge Houston and Joel calmly.
"Uncle Felix, I wish our marriage to be performed to-night. Will you send for a minister?"
Judge Houston looked at her, startled, then his eyes sought Talbot's for an explanation. Coming back again to Natalia's, he saw the decision was hers.
"Would it not be better to wait until to-morrow?" he suggested, quickly aware of incongruity in such a marriage.
"No, it is not a time for waiting. I must prove to Morgan that this has made no difference in my love for him."
Finally the old gentleman turned away from her, reading the force in her face that brooked no interference. When he was at the door he heard Morgan speaking.
"Stop!" he commanded. "I refuse to be married to-night. Natalia does not know what she is doing."
"You both see I am perfectly calm," she said, turning to Joel and Judge Houston. "I desire above everything that we shall be married to-night. I beg of you—Morgan—"
Morgan shook his head with a determination that was greater than hers. With the decision his face gained some of its lost brilliancy. He became once more the handsome, virile man of that morning.
"When I am a free man, Natalia—when I am cleared—if you still wish it then—not before. I am determined."