"This
priest, Nicholas, though I hold him a foul villain, is doubtless still
a priest, clothed with all the authority of our Lord Himself, since the
unworthiness of the minister does not invalidate the sacrament. Were
it otherwise, indeed, few would be well baptized or wed or shriven.
Moreover, although I suspect that himself he mixed the draught, yet he
may not have known that you were drugged, and you stood silent, and, it
would appear, consenting. The ceremony, alas! was completed; I myself
heard him give the benediction. Your father assisted thereat and gave
you to the groom in the presence of a congregation. The drugging is a
matter of surmise and evidence which may not be forthcoming, since you
are the only witness, and where is the proof? I fear me, daughter, that
according to the Church's law you are de Noyon's lawful wife----"
"The Church's law," she broke in; "how about God's law? There lies the
only man to whom I owe a bond, and I'll die a hundred deaths before any
other shall even touch my hand. Ay, if need be, I'll kill myself and
reason out the case with St. Peter in the Gates."
"Hush! hush! speak not so madly. The knot that the Church ties it can
unloose. This matter must to his Holiness the Pope; it shall be my
business to lay it before him; yea, letters shall go to Avignon by the
first safe hand. Moreover, it well may happen that God Himself will free
you, by the sword of His servant Death.
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