New York would respect the ceremonies of New Jersey, but there would
be a shadow on the title. Still, such marriages were recognized by
the public with little question, just as in the countries where
divorce is almost or quite impossible society of all grades has
always countenanced unions not too lightly entered into or continued.
In such countries words like "mistress," "concubine," and "morganatic
wife" take on a decided respectability with a touch of pathos rather
than reproach.
Jim had come to beg Charity to accept a marriage with an impediment.
He had expected a scene when he proposed a flight across the river
and a return to Father Knickerbocker with a request for pardon.
But her light suggestion of a religious ceremony threw him into
confusion. He mumbled:
"Is a parson absolutely necessary?"
Charity's lips set into a grim line.
"I'll be married by a parson or I'll not be married at all. The
Church has enough against me on account of my divorce and this
last ghastly thing. To get married outside the Church would cut
me off entirely from everything that's sacred. There won't be
any difficulty about getting a parson, will there?"
"Oh no, not at all!" Jim protested, "only--oh no, not at all,
except--"
"Only what? Except what?"
"You'll have to go to New Jersey to be married."
"Why should I?"
"Entirely on my account, honey. It's because I'm in disgrace."
This way of putting it brought her over that sill with a rush.
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