The missionary grew pale and his somber eyes grew even more somber. “I shall require her father’s permission before performing the ceremony, Mr. Pritchard,” he said with an effort.
“Her father is dead, Mr. Muggridge.”
“Have you a license of any sort?”
“No. Is it your custom to require a license when performing the marriage ceremony between two of your converts?”
“No, indeed. My people do not understand what a license is, and it has been deemed unnecessary to insist upon it with these primitive people. In your case, however——”
“I understand that white man’s law is non-operative in Riva,” Dan interrupted. “The sole regulations of this island have been promulgated by you and other missionaries, have they not?”
Mr. Muggridge nodded, his blazing eyes still fastened on Tamea.
“Well,” Dan explained earnestly, “in the absence of white law I desire you to marry me according to missionary law. I wish to feel that my marriage has been sanctioned by a representative of a Christian faith. I am a Christian.”
“A true Christian would not marry this woman, sir.”
“I did not come here to argue with you, Mr. Muggridge. It is my firm intention to dwell in Riva with Tamea and I prefer to dwell with her in accordance with the custom of my own people.”