speeches, and as for the rice and old boots, upon my word, I don't think
we shall miss them."

"And if it is a fair question, when will the--the simple ceremony take
place?"

"To-morrow evening."

"To-morrow evening!" exclaimed the professor, taken by surprise. "I
thought a priestess could not marry."

"To-morrow at sunset she will be a free woman. Her priesthood will come
to an end."

"And--pardon me--but what are you going to do with her when you've got
her? Will you bring her home to the car--there is very little room here,
as you know. Do you propose to take her to the earth, where I'm afraid
she will probably die like a tender plant or a bird of paradise in a
cage? Do you think her father would consent to that?"

"We are not going away just yet. There will be time enough to arrange
about that."

"Well, we can't stay here much longer. I must get back to my work--and
you know we intended to pay a flying visit to Mercury, and if possible
to get a closer look at the sun."

"All right. You can go as soon as you like. I shall remain behind.
Carmichael will take you to the earth, and then come back here for me."