"Doctor Wallace," went on Mel. "We have been to several ministers, and
to Mr. Hartley, the magistrate. All refused to marry us. So I came to
my old friend. You've known me all my life. Daren has at last
convinced me--broke down my resistance. So--I ask--will you marry us?"

Doctor Wallace was silent for many moments while he gazed into the
fire and stroked her hand. Suddenly a smile broke over his fine face.

"You say you asked Hartley to marry you?"

"Yes, we went to him. It was a reckless thing to do. I'm sorry."

"To say the least, it was original." The old minister seemed to have
difficulty in restraining a laugh. Then for a moment he pondered.

"My friends, I am very old," he said at length, "but you have taught
me something. I will marry you."

It was a strange marriage. Behind Mel and Daren stood the red-faced,
grinning driver, his coarse long coat covered with snow, and the
simpering housemaid, respectful, yet glorifying in her share in this
midnight romance. The old minister with his striking face and white
hair, gravely turned the leaves of his book. No bridegroom ever wore
such a stern, haggard countenance. The bride's face might have been a
happier one, but it could not have been more beautiful.

Doctor Wallace's voice was low and grave; it quavered here and there
in passages. Lane's was hardly audible. Mel's rang deep and full.

The witnesses signed their names; husband and wife wrote theirs; the
minister filled out the license, and the ceremony was over.

Then Doctor Wallace took a hand of each.

"Mel and Daren," he said. "No human can read the secret ways of God.
But it seems there is divinity in you both. You have been sacrificed
to the war. You are builders, not destroyers. You are Christians, not
pagans. You have a vision limned against the mystery of the future.
Mammon seems now to rule. Civilization rocks on its foundations. But
the world will go on growing better. Peace on earth, good will to men!
That is the ultimate. It was Christ's teaching.... You two give me
greater faith.... Go now and face the world with heads erect--whatever
you do, Mel--and however long you live, Daren. Who can tell what will
happen? But time proves all things, and the blindness of people does
not last forever.... You both belong to the Kingdom of God."

But few words were spoken by Lane or Mel on the ride home. Mel seemed
lost in a trance. She had one hand slipped under Lane's arm, the other
clasped over it.