"I knew your boy in India, Mr. Caspar," said the Colonel in his delightful manner. "He was one of the best cricketers in the regiment."
The friendly voices and kind eyes appeared to soothe the old man.
"He's going to be married to-morrow," he panted. "I'm just going over to Aldwoldston to see the lady."
In the village the char-a-banc drew up under the great chestnut-tree by the market-cross; while the passengers descended for tea in the black-and-white-timbered Lamb.
Mr. Caspar, too, got down. Mrs. Lewknor heard him ask the way to Frogs' Hall, and saw him lumber off in that flurried way of his as if pursued.
She followed him into River Lane.
He heard her and turned with eyes aghast behind his gold-rimmed spectacles.
She met him with swiftest sympathy.
"May I come with you, Mr. Caspar?" she asked.
He seemed relieved.