Once at rest in the dim-lit tunnel of the ferry-boat, however, she was brought sharply to herself by hearing her brother exclaim: "Say! He hasn't kissed her yet." Lilas shrieked, and Bob stiffened himself, then slipped an arm around his bride. As she shrank away he mumbled angrily: "Here! I won't stand for that," and crushed her to him. He tipped her head back, then pressed his lips to hers, and she yielded, her whole body a-quiver with repugnance. But it was part of the price, she told herself; therefore she paid, although she was like to faint with the effort. She became conscious of a sudden savagery that swept over Bob at her first surrender, and in revulsion fought herself free from his embrace. He followed her, his eyes fierce, his hot breath heavy with the fumes of wine; his clutch hurt her, "By God!" he mumbled, thickly, "You are beautiful--beautiful. And you're mine. She's mine, eh? No foolishness about that, is there?" he appealed to Jim. As they drew in toward the New York side the chauffeur inquired, "Where to, now?"' "Why, drive us--" Jim hesitated. There was a silence which Lilas broke with a titter. The bridegroom joined her in an awkward laugh. "Never thought of that." "Drive to the Charlevoix," Lorelei said, sharply. "No women allowed there; it's a stag place," objected Bob. "Of course! We'll take you home. It's all over now," she told him, faintly. "You can't get into no hotel without baggage," explained the driver. "That's right. No baggage, no money. Deuce of a way to get married." Bob turned again to Jim, who solved the difficulty with a word. "Why, you're both going to Lorelei's place, of course; then you can make your plans to-morrow." The bride's half-strangled protest was lost in a burst of enthusiasm from Lilas. "Surest thing you know," she cried; "and we'll stop in my flat for a farewell bottle; I've got a whole case. We'll end the night with another party at Jarvis's expense. He's crazy about marriages, anyhow. Ha! But you needn't tell him I was--full, understand?" She fell silent suddenly, then burst into a loud laugh. "Bah! I should worry!" Jim struggled with her as for a second time she endeavored to thrust her silken ankles through the taxi window. The ferry drew into its slip, the cab motor shivered, the metallic rattle of windlass and chain proclaimed the return to Manhattan. Up the deserted avenues the vehicle sped, while inside the white-faced bride cowered with fingers locked and heart sick with dread. CHAPTER XIV