WITH THIS RING It was the Sabbath, and the summer sun was casting its southering light even with the eaves of Sim Gage's half-ruined house.

It was high noon.
High noon for a wedding.

But this was a wedding of no pomp or splendor.

No bell summoned any hither.

There was no organ peal, nor maids with flowers and serious faces to wait upon the bride; no processional; no aisles fenced off with bride's ribbon; no audience to crane.