“Now,” continued Tom Brangwen, “for a man to be a man, it takes a woman — — ”

“It does that,” said a woman grimly.

“And for a woman to be a woman, it takes a man — — ” continued Tom Brangwen.

“All speak up, men,” chimed in a feminine voice.

“Therefore we have marriage,” continued Tom Brangwen.

“Hold, hold,” said Alfred Brangwen. “Don't run us off our legs.”

And in dead silence the glasses were filled. The bride and bridegroom, two children, sat with intent, shining faces at the head of the table, abstracted.