So snap your fingers at death, as I do," and she suited the action to the word, "and be happy while you may, and when you're not happy, wait till your turn comes round again.

Now follow me and, though your father is murdered, smile as you should in such an hour, for what man wants a sad-faced bride ?" They walked down the broad oaken stairs into the hall where Christopher stood waiting for them.

Glancing at him shyly, Cicely saw that he was clad in mail beneath his cloak, and that his sword was girded at his side, also that some men with him were armed.

For a moment he stared at her glittering beauty confused, then said-- "Fear not this hint of war in love's own hour," and he touched his shining armour.

"Cicely, these nuptials are strange as they are happy, and some might try to break in upon them.