After congratulating her on her success, Charles observed:
"I wonder whether a loving pair were ever betrothed at this altar?"
The significance given to the words, and the look that accompanied them, made Juliana cast down her eyes.
"'Tis strange that the same thought should have occurred to me," remarked Careless. "How say you, sweetheart?" he continued, taking Juliana's hand. "Shall we plight our vows here, in his majesty's presence? You know that duty calls me hence, and that I may be long detained in France. Let me feel certain I shall not lose you."
"You need not doubt me, Careless," she rejoined, tenderly. "I shall ever be constant to you."
They then bent before the king, and Careless, still holding her hand, exclaimed:
"Bear witness, sire, that I solemnly plight my faith to Juliana Coningsby."
"And I as solemnly plight my faith to William Careless," she added.
"I cannot pronounce a benediction upon you," said Charles. "But I can bear witness to your betrothal. May your union speedily take place; and when it does take place, may you be happy!"