The church stood--after the manner of Indian churches--in a garden, and on the wide sweep of gravel round it carriages were awaiting the owners, who were busy within. The Colonel's dogcart was among them. So he was there, sure enough.
Hirabul Khan, hesitating at the open door he dared not enter, could see straight along the aisle to the altar; could see the cross of poinsettia and white roses upon the latter, the text above it--
Unmeaning as it all was to him, he stood looking at it dreamily, until suddenly from the unseen transept the Christmas hymn began, and those of the decorators who were not remaining for choir practice came trooping down the aisle. Then he retreated hastily to where the Colonel's dogcart stood, that being his best chance of the interview which, if humble apology might avail, would mean much to his pride.
So he waited, watching with uncomprehending eyes, listening with uncomprehensive ears--
"Oh! come all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, Oh! come ye, oh! come ye to Bethlehem."
Suddenly, on those distant voices, the sound of nearer ones became audible. He stepped back a pace or two, and peered through the thicket of rose and pomegranate.
The scum of the bazaars had spoken truth, then! That man and woman standing so close to each other in the scented twilight were the new Colonel, the real Colonel's wife! What infamy! He set his teeth and listened--though this was to him as incomprehensible as the call to peace and goodwill had been.
"For God's sake, have pity on her!" Boy's mother's voice was full of tears. "I heard you settle it. But if you two pick that _dhatura_ tonight--'the last thing after the Tree, so that it may not wither!' Oh, yes, I heard, Colonel Gould--"
"You _did_ hear. I don't deny it. My dear, kind lady--think! If it is not to-night--it _must_ be soon. This life is killing her--it is wiser, kinder, to end the struggle now--"
"No! no! give her time. It is in your power to do this, for she loves you. Remember it is Christmas; you might, at least--"
"The better the day! No; Christmas must take care of itself--if _it_ can! I mean to take her away and care for her--if _I_ can. But thanks, all the same. I shall never forget your kindness."