"Into this holy estate these two persons come now to be joined. If any man can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together let him now speak or else hereafter forever hold his peace."
Cleveland could hardly restrain himself from shouting out:
"I do! The woman loves me!"
Bah, Ben. Don't make a fool of yourself. That is not a "just cause."
There being no interruption the clergyman continued:
"I require and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment why ye may not be lawfully joined together in matrimony ye do now confess it. (Blackoat was steadying himself with one hand on the chancel railing.) For be ye well assured that if any persons are joined together otherwise than as God's word doth allow their marriage is not lawful."
Blackoat released the railing and stood erect, but his face was very pale and his eyes rested steadily on his feet. Turning to him the minister asked:
"Wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy state of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor her and keep her in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?"
And Blackoat answered:
"I will."