"My dear," said his wife softly in a tone of reproof, laying her hand warningly on his arm.
"Stephen Archdale isn’t the man to stand this," retorted the Governor in a higher key than he realized. But the words did not reach their object, for he had already laid hold of the paper in Mr. Shurtleffs hand.
"If this paper explains your conduct, give it to me," he said haughtily.
The other drew back.
"I will read it to you and to the company," he answered. "There can be no wedding this morning. I trust there will be soon. But first it is my personal duty to look into this matter."
Katie, whose face had grown rigid, swung heavily against Stephen.
"She has fainted," her mother cried coming forward.
"Take her away," commanded the Colonel. "This is no place for her." But the girl clung to Stephen.
"I will stay," she said, with a tearless sob. "I must listen. I see it all, and what he meant, too, that evil man."
"Master Shurtleff," cried the Governor, "I command you to make all this clear to us at once. If that paper in your hand tells us the cause of your refusal to marry these young people, I bid you read it to us immediately."