The cure did not keep them waiting long, though it seemed an age.

Presently he stood at the altar, and called them to him.
They went hand in hand, the happiest in Holland.

The cure opened his book.
But ere he uttered a single word of the sacred rite, a harsh voice cried "Forbear!" And the constables of Tergou came up the aisle and seized Gerard in the name of the law.

Martin's long knife flashed out directly.
"Forbear, man!" cried the priest.

"What! draw your weapon in a church, and ye who interrupt this holy sacrament, what means this impiety ?" "There is no impiety, father," said the burgomaster's servant respectfully.