THE WEDDING PARTY
The next day the sun was shining brightly again. The waves on the sea sparkled and the Madonna on the church glowed with a golden brilliance. At the Hotel La Reserve, many people were dancing merrily. It was the betrothal feast of Edmond Dante and Mercedes.
Edmond and Mercedes were dancing too, and as they danced they smiled at one another. Both were full of joy and wanted everyone around to be happy too.
A dinner had been served and festivities were in full swing. Dante could hardly believe that in just over an hour he would be taking his beautiful bride into the Town Hall where they would be married by the Mayor of Marseilles. It seemed too good to be true.
When the dancing stopped, Mercedes reminded Dante that it was time to set out for the Town Hall.
'Yes, yes,' cried Dante excitedly, 'let us go now.'
The guests cheered and prepared to follow the bridal couple in a procession.
Suddenly they all stood still and listened. They could hear the sound of soldiers marching. The noise came nearer and a group of soldiers turned into the hotel. There was a knocking on the door.
'Open, in the name of the law!' said a stern voice.
The door was opened and outside stood the officer in command of the soldiers.
'Which one of you is Edmond Dante?' he asked.
Every eye turned towards the young man who stepped forward saying, 'I am he. What do you want with me?'
'Edmond Dante,' replied the officer, ' I arrest you in the King's name!'
'Arrest me!' exclaimed Edmond, ' But why?'
'I canot tell you,' replied the officer, 'but you must come at once to the law courts.'
The guests looked at each other in amazement. It could not be true that Dante was being arrested! Mercedes, Monsieur Morrel and Dante's old father all rushed forward to try to prevent the soldiers from taking Edmond away. The officer turned to them and begged them to be calm. Then he said to the old man in a kindly manner, 'It's probably something about the papers of the Pharaon. I expect your son has forgotten to fill in a customs form. He will answer a few questions and explain things and then they will set him free. Don't worry!'
'Goodbye, goodbye, dearest Edmond!' cried Mercedes sadly, as he was taken away.
'Don't worry, Mercedes,' he replied, 'I shall see you again this afternoon. The wedding will be delayed by just a few hours, that's all.'
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