All the colour went suddenly out of Nancy's face. She stood for a moment as if turned to white marble, while the sound of the organ rose louder and louder, mounting up triumphantly into the fretted roof, and filling all the church with its joyous harmony. She tried to speak, but somehow or other the words refused to come. Then she felt Leslie's arm tighten, and she was walking up the aisle, while the music sank and died in low, melodious tones. She had a vague impression of two men getting up from the front pew.
"Gathered together—sight of God—face of this congregation—join together—man and woman—holy matrimony—honourable estate instituted——"
But this was impossible, absurd. She couldn't be married like this. What was Leslie thinking of? The man must stop.
The monotonous drone continued:
"Have this woman—wedded wife—live together—God's ordinance—holy estate matrimony—lover, comfort, honour, an' keeper—sickness and in health—forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her so long as ye both shall live?"
Leslie's voice came, cheerful and distinct:
"I will."
"Have this man—wedded husband—live together—God's ord'nance—holy estate matrimony. Obey him, serve him, love, honour, and keep him—sickness—health—forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him so long as ye both shall live?"
Nancy gasped.
"Who giveth this woman—married—this man?"