To be able to endure something for him was a precious ability.
She hugged him devoutly, then put his arms away.
When he left her he had a brilliant inspiration. He thought how
soothing it would be to her bruised heart, what carron-oil to her
blistered reputation, if he got Doctor Mosely to perform the
ceremony. Jim was so delighted with the stroke of genius that he
went immediately to the pastor's house. The dear old man greeted
him with a subdued warmth.
"This is an unusual privilege, dear boy. I haven't seen you for--oh,
ever so long. Of course, I have read of you--er--that is--what--to
what am I indebted for--"
"You perform marriages, don't you?"
"That is one of my perilous prerogatives. But, of course, I can't
guarantee how well my marriages will wear in these restless times."
Jim braved a flippancy: "Then, being an honest dealer, you replace
any damaged article, of course?"
"I am afraid I could hardly go so far as that."
"Could you go as far as New Jersey?"
"In my time I have ventured into Macedonia. But why do you ask?"
"You see, in a day or two, I'll be free from my present--that is,
my absent wife; and I wanted to know if you could come over and
marry me."
"But I thought--I fear--do you mean to say you are marrying some
young woman from over there?"
"I'm marrying Charity Coe."
"My dear, dear boy! Really! You can't, you know! She has been
divorced and so have you."
"Yes, all quite legally.
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