Gradually the grim impression grew that Death was hovering over her
bridal feast--a foolish fancy which persisted in her highly-wrought
nervous state. Yet the idea, once fixed, could not be crushed. In
vain she used her will to bring her wandering mind back to the joyous
present. Each time she lifted her eyes they rested upon the silent,
white figure with its single eye piercing the depths of her soul.

She could endure it no longer. She nodded and smiled wanly at Ella.

"You may go now!"

The woman gazed at the bride in surprise.

"I shall come again--yes?"

"Tomorrow morning, Ella, you may help me."

The white figure paused uncertainly at the door, and her drawling voice
breathed her parting word tenderly:

"Good night!"

The bride closed her eyes and answered.

"Good night, Ella!"

The door closed. Jim rose quickly and bolted it.

"Thank God!" he exclaimed fervently. He fixed his slumbering eyes on his
wife for a moment, saw the frightened look, walked quickly back to the
table and took his seat.

"Now, Kiddo, we can eat in peace."

"Yes, I'd rather be alone," she sighed.

"I must say," Jim went on briskly, "that parson of yours did give us a
run for our money."

"I like the old, long ceremony best."

"Well, you see, I ain't never had much choice--but do you know what I
thought was the best thing in it?"

"No--what?"

"UNTIL DEATH DO US PART! Gee how he did ring out on that! His voice
sounded to me like a big bell somewhere away up in the clouds. Did you
hear me sing it back at him?"

Mary smiled nervously.

"You had found your voice then."

"You bet I had! I muffed that first one, though, didn't I?"

"A little. It didn't matter." She answered mechanically.

He fixed his eyes on her again.

"Hungry, Kiddo?"

"No," she gasped.

"What's the use!" he cried in low, vibrant tones, springing to his feet.
"I don't want to eat this stuff--I just want to eat you!"

Mary rose tremblingly and moved instinctively to meet him.

He clasped her form in his arms and crushed with cruel strength.

"Until death do us part!" he whispered passionately.

She answered with a kiss.

CHAPTER XII. THE LOTOS-EATERS

It was eleven o'clock next morning before Ella ventured to rap softly
on the door. They had just finished breakfast. The bride was clearing up
the table, humming a song of her childhood.

Jim caught her in his arms.

"Once more before she comes!"

"Don't kill me!" she laughed