Marriages in the lower ranks of life are the only marriages celebrated here. The beadle anticipates something out of the common in the shape of a fee. The clerk takes his place. The clergyman opens his book. The service begins.
Launce casts a last furtive look round the church.
The clergyman proceeds steadily, and nothing happens. Natalie's charming face grows paler and paler, Natalie's heart throbs faster and faster, as the time comes nearer for reading the words which unite them for life. Lady Winwood herself feels an unaccustomed fluttering in the region of the bosom. The service advances to the words in which they plight their troth. Launce has put the ring on her finger.