It was the slipper of the Baroness Helena von Ritz--white, delicate, dainty, beribboned.

"Miss Elisabeth does not pretend to understand why your gift should take this form; but as the slipper evidently has been worn by some one, she suggests you may perhaps be in error in sending it at all." He spoke in even, icy tones.
"Let me into this house!" I demanded.

"I must see her!" There were two tall figures now, who stood side by side in the wide front door.
"But don't you see, there has been a mistake, a horrible mistake ?" I demanded.
Doctor Halford, in his grave and quiet way, assisted himself to snuff.
"Sir," he said, "knowing both families, I agreed to this haste and unceremoniousness, much against my will.

Had there been no objection upon either side, I would have undertaken to go forward with the wedding ceremony.

But never in my life have I, and never shall I, join two in wedlock when either is not in that state of mind and soul consonant with that holy hour.