'You have been deceived. Make delay. Do not say the words. Your deliverers are coming. They are on the way.'
The next moment a blow from the bridegroom's fist upon the poor lad's ear laid him senseless on the floor.
'How dare he speak to my bride! The varlet!' thundered Sir Claudius.
But I knelt down in reality now by poor Saul's side, trying to raise his head and open his collar, that he might breathe more freely.
They would not permit me to tend him. He was caught up by others and hurried away out of my sight.
'I refuse to marry you now, you cruel man!' I exclaimed.
But Sir Claudius merely smiled, and bade my conductor bring me forward.
There was a little confusion as the wedding party was being arranged before the Communion table, and I took advantage of it to say, in a low tone, to the old clergyman—
'I will not marry Sir Claudius. My promise to him was made under compulsion, and therefore it is not binding.'
The old man looked bewildered, startled. He had evidently no idea of this, and perhaps he only half heard me, for my voice was weak and low.