"No one could expect any happiness after being married in that sort of
way. No, sir, when quite a long time on, we do get married, it shall be
in a church in a proper and decent manner. I don't know that I might
not be persuaded to make a sacrifice and do without bridesmaids or even
a wedding-breakfast, but everything else must be strictly _en regle_."

The next morning at the appointed hour, Cuthbert went up to Montmartre.
Several men, whose red scarfs showed that they belonged to the
Government of the Commune were standing outside. They looked with some
surprise at Cuthbert as he strolled quietly up. "I am here, messieurs,
to be a witness to the marriage of my friend, Arnold Dampierre."

The manner of the men instantly changed, and one said, "We are here also
to witness the marriage of our noble American friend to the daughter of
our colleague, Dufaure. Dampierre is within, Dufaure will be here with
his daughter in a few minutes." Cuthbert passed through and entered the
office where a Commissary of the Commune was sitting at a table. Arnold
was speaking to him. He turned as Cuthbert entered.

"Thank you, Hartington. This is not exactly what I had pictured would be
the scene at my wedding, but it is not my fault that it must be managed
this way, and I intend to have the ceremony repeated if we get safely to
England. After all, it is but what you call a Gretna Green marriage."

"Yes, as you say, you can be married again, Arnold, which would
certainly be best in all respects, and might save litigation some day.
But here they come, I think."

There was a stir at the door, and Minette and her father entered,
followed by the Communists with red scarfs. Arnold also wore one of
these insignia. Minette was in her dress as a Vivandiere. She held out
her hand frankly to Cuthbert.

"I am glad to see you here, monsieur," she said. "It is good that Arnold
should have one of his own people as a witness. You never liked me very
much, I know, but it makes no difference now."

"Please to take your place," the officer said. Cuthbert stepped back a
pace. Arnold took his place in front of the table with Minette by his
side, her father standing close to her.

"There is nothing, Arnold Dampierre," the official asked, "in the laws
of your country that would prevent you making a binding marriage."

"Nothing whatever. When a man is of age in America he is free to
contract any marriage he chooses without obtaining the consent of any
re