Then I told him the whole story--saving only so much as concerned the
Princess individually. He was plainly pleased at my confidence--and I
learned many things from him, that afternoon, which opened my eyes
concerning some of the Court officials and Ministers.
It was exactly six o'clock when Courtney was announced. Even as he came
into the room, he drew an envelope from his pocket and handed it to me.
"A copy of the certificate," he said.
I read it very carefully. In effect, it certified that Patrick McGuire,
an Alderman of the City of New York, had, on the twenty-first day of
December, 190--, in that City, in the presence of John Edwards of said
City, united in marriage Armand Dalberg, Major, U. S. Army, and Madeline
Spencer, widow, of Washington, D. C.; there appearing, after due inquiry
made, to be no legal impediment thereto; and the parties thereto having
proven, on oath, their identity and their legal age.
"Well, I'm not a lawyer," said I, in disgust; "but this thing sounds
pretty strong. I fancy it is about as close as I shall ever come to
reading my own obituary."
"It's more than strong," said Courtney: "it's in strict conformity with
the New York law.
"But, the license," I objected.
"None is required in New York."