I was to marry them and ask no questions, and I was to be conveyed safely home the same night.

If I refused-- "My masked gentleman paused, and left an awful hiatus for me to fill up.
I did not refuse--by no means.

It has always been my way to make the best of a bad bargain--of two evils to choose the lesser.

I consented.
"The bridegroom with the black mask quitted the room, and returned with a bride in a white mask.

She was all in white, as it is right and proper to be--flowing veil, orange wreath, trailing silk robe--everything quite nice.