"Unto us a Child is Born."
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--"