Wilt thou obey him, and
serve him, love, honor, and keep him, in sickness and in health"--the words
of the pledge went on. It was not hard. The girl felt she could do all
that. She was relieved to find it no more terrible, and to know that she
was no longer acting a lie. They all knew who she was now. She held up her
flower-like head and answered in her clear voice, that made her few
schoolmates present gasp with admiration:

"I will!"

And the dear old minister's wife, sitting sweet and dove-like in her soft
grey poplin, fine white kerchief, and cap of book muslin, smiled to
herself at the music in Marcia's voice and nodded approval. She felt that
all was well with her little friend.

They waited, those astonished people, till the ceremony was concluded and
the prayer over, and then they broke forth. There had been lifted brows
and looks passing from one to another, of question, of disclaiming any
knowledge in the matter, and just as soon as the minister turned and took
the bride's hand to congratulate her the heads bent together behind fans
and the soft buzz of whispers began.

What does it mean? Where is Kate? She isn't in the room! Did he change his
mind at the last minute? How old is Marcia? Mercy me! Nothing but a child!
Are you sure? Why, my Mary Ann is older than that by three months, and
she's no more able to become mistress of a home than a nine-days-old
kitten. Are you sure it's Marcia? Didn't the minister make a mistake in
the name? It looked to me like Kate. Look again. She's put her veil back.
No, it can't be! Yes, it is! No, it looks like Kate! Her hair's done the
same, but, no, Kate never had such a sweet innocent look as that. Why,
when she was a child her face always had a sharpness to it. Look at
Marcia's eyes, poor lamb! I don't see how her father could bear it, and
she so young. But Kate! Where can she be? What has happened? You don't
say! Yes, I did see that captain about again last week or so. Do you
believe it? Surely she never would. Who told you? Was he sure? But Maria
and Janet are bridesmaids and they didn't see any signs of anything. They
were over here yesterday. Yes, Kate showed them everything and planned how
they would all walk in. No, she didn't do anything queer, for Janet would
have mentioned it. Janet always sees everything. Well, they say he's a
good man and Marcia'll be well provided for. Madam Schuyler'll be relieved
about that. Marcia can't ever lead her the dance Kate has amo