“I must say,” Jim went on briskly, “that parson of yours did give us a run for our money.” “I like the old, long ceremony best.” “Well, you see, I ain't never had much choice--but do you know what I thought was the best thing in it?” “No--what?” “UNTIL DEATH DO US PART! Gee how he did ring out on that! His voice sounded to me like a big bell somewhere away up in the clouds. Did you hear me sing it back at him?” Mary smiled nervously. “You had found your voice then.” “You bet I had! I muffed that first one, though, didn't I?” “A little. It didn't matter.” She answered mechanically. He fixed his eyes on her again. “Hungry, Kiddo?” “No,” she gasped. “What's the use!” he cried in low, vibrant tones, springing to his feet. “I don't want to eat this stuff--I just want to eat you!” Mary rose tremblingly and moved instinctively to meet him. He clasped her form in his arms and crushed with cruel strength. “Until death do us part!” he whispered passionately. She answered with a kiss. CHAPTER XII. THE LOTOS-EATERS It was eleven o'clock next morning before Ella ventured to rap softly on the door. They had just finished breakfast. The bride was clearing up the table, humming a song of her childhood. Jim caught her in his arms. “Once more before she comes!” “Don't kill me!” she laughed. Jim lounged in the window and smoked his cigarette while Ella and Mary chattered in the kitchenette. In half an hour the scrub-woman had made her last trip with the extra dishes, and the little home was spick and span. Mary sprang on the couch and snuggled into Jim's arms. “I've changed our plans----” he began thoughtfully. “We won't give up our honeymoon trip?” she cried in alarm. “That's one dream we MUST live, Jim, dear. I've set my heart on it.” “Sure we will--sure,” he answered quickly. “But not in that car.” “Why?” Jim grinned. “Because I like you better--you get me, Kiddo?” She pressed close and whispered: “I think so.” “You see, that fool car might throw a tire or two. Believe me, it'll be a job to have her on my hands for a thousand miles. Of course, if I didn't know you, little girl, it would be all sorts of fun. But, honest to God, this game beats the world.” He bent low and kissed her again. “Where'll we go, then?” she murmured. “That's what I'm tryin' to dope out. I like the sea. It lulls me just like whisky puts a drunkard to sleep. I wish we could get where it's bright and warm and the sun shines all the time. We could stay two weeks and then jump on the train and be in Asheville the day before Christmas.” Mary sprang up excitedly. “I have it! We'll go to Florida--away down to the Keys. It's the dream of my life to go there!” “The Keys what's that?” he asked, puzzled. “The Keys are little sand islands and reefs that jut out into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The railroad takes us right there.” “It's warm and sunny there now?” “Just like summer up here. We can go in bathing in the surf every day.”