The scarecrow of an old man was waiting for her in his chair, brooding. He was obviously disturbed by the turn of events, soldiering on in his role as the preacher despite lingering reservations. Frankly, this worried Ebenezer to a degree: his father had always been a man of towering will and dominance, a man who seemed to know the world and the people within it for what they were and was never easily swayed. Now, huddled within the wooden armchair, it was becoming obvious that Reverend Stone was nearing the end of his days. "Father," he announced dispassionately, "This is Mirabella."

Ebenezer did not let go of Mirabella's hand as he presented her to his father, though his grasp was light and gentle in her fingers.

Sighing again, Reverend Stone looked up at her from hooded eyes, a frown dancing about his lips as he debated the wisdom behind any of this. Only he had already agreed. Praise-God Stone was a man known to always keep his word in the end, a reputation that Ebenezer had ensured would remain intact by settling his debts. "Mirabella," he began with a wheeze, "My son has told me that the two of you wish to be wed. He and I have discussed this matter and your situation to... some degree. I ask you now, as both his father and as this community's spiritual leader, do you agree to this of your own will? Will you... try... to love each other in God's eyes? For once this is done, it is not a thing easily undone."

Ebenezer opened his mouth to say something, only to be stopped as the Reverend raised his hand in forbearance. The preacher focused on the girl alone as he stated, "Tell me this now, promise it to me before God and I will... give you my blessing."