With this reply the young man was obliged to be contented. Soon after he
arose and took his leave.
When he was quite out of hearing Nora arose and threw herself into her
sister's arms, crying: "Oh, Hannah, consent! consent! I cannot live without him!"
The elder sister caressed the younger tenderly; told her of all the
dangers of a secret marriage; of all the miseries of an ill-sorted one;
and implored her to dismiss her wealthy lover, and struggle with her
misplaced love.
Nora replied only with tears and sobs, and vain repetitions of the
words: "I cannot live without him, Hannah! I cannot live without him!"
Alas, for weakness, willfulness, and passion! They, and not wise
counsels, gained the day. Nora would not give up her lover; would not
struggle with her love; but would have her own way.
At length, in yielding a reluctant acquiesence, Hannah said: "I would never countenance this--never, Nora! but for one reason; it is
that I know, whether I consent or not, you two, weak and willful and
passionate as you are, will rush into this imprudent marriage all the
same! And I think for your sake it had better take place with my
sanction, and in my presence, than otherwise."
Nora clasped her sister's neck and covered her face with kisses.
"He means well by us, dear Hannah--indeed he does, bless him! So do not
look so grave because we are going to be happy."
Had Herman felt sure of his answer the next day? It really seemed so;
for when he made his appearance at the cottage in the morning he brought
the marriage license in his pocket and a peripatetic minister in his
company.
And before the astonished sisters had time to recover their
self-possession Herman Brudenell's will had carried his purpose, and the
marriage ceremony was performed. The minister then wrote out the
certificate, which was signed by himself, and witnessed by Hannah, and
handed it to the bride.
"Now, dearest Nora," whispered the triumphant bridegroom, "I am happy,
and you are safe!"
But--were either of them really safe or happy?