Sieppe shutting his eyes tight. But Mrs. Sieppe took advantage of
the moment to stop crying and make furtive gestures towards Owgooste,
signing him to pull down his coat. But Owgooste gave no heed; his eyes
were starting from their sockets, his chin had dropped upon his lace
collar, and his head turned vaguely from side to side with a continued
and maniacal motion.
All at once the ceremony was over before any one expected it. The guests
kept their positions for a moment, eyeing one another, each fearing to
make the first move, not quite certain as to whether or not everything
were finished. But the couple faced the room, Trina throwing back her
veil. She--perhaps McTeague as well--felt that there was a certain
inadequateness about the ceremony. Was that all there was to it? Did
just those few muttered phrases make them man and wife? It had been over
in a few moments, but it had bound them for life. Had not something
been left out? Was not the whole affair cursory, superficial? It was
disappointing.
But Trina had no time to dwell upon this. Marcus Schouler, in the manner
of a man of the world, who knew how to act in every situation, stepped
forward and, even before Mr.
Pages:
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203