Part 60 (2/2)

Capper edged a little nearer to the churchyard steps and waited. The clamour of bells was incessant, wholly drowning the clamour of voices.

Everyone was craning forward to see the crowd of guests. The long procession had already begun to issue from the church porch. It moved very slowly, for at the head of it, his hand on his mother's arm, came Lucas Errol.

He walked with extreme difficulty, leaning on a crutch. His head was uncovered, and the glare of the September sunlight smote full upon it.

The hair was turning very grey.

He was smiling as he came, but his brows were slightly drawn, his eyes sunk in deep hollows.

Swiftly and comprehensively the man at the foot of the steps scanned every detail, marked the halting, painful progress, the lined forehead.

And the next moment, as Lucas paused, preparatory to descending, he pushed forward with characteristic decision of movement and moved upwards to his side.

”I guess you'll find me useful at this juncture,” he said.

Lucas's start of surprise was instantly followed by a smile of welcome.

He gripped Capper's hand warmly.

”The very man I want! But how in wonder did you get here? You never walked all the way from the station?”

”I did,” said Capper.

”You don't say! Why didn't you let me know? I guess we must move on. We are blocking the gangway.”

”Easy does it,” said Capper. ”It won't hurt 'em any to wait. Get your arm over my shoulder. That's the way. These steps are the very devil for you.”

He bent his wiry frame to Lucas Errol's need, and helped him to descend.

At the foot he paused a moment and looked at him keenly.

”All serene,” smiled Lucas. ”I'll take your arm now, if it's all the same to the mother. You didn't expect to find us plunged in wedding gaieties, I guess.”

”Wish it had been your own,” said Capper.

At which Lucas turned up his face to the sky and laughed.

They crossed the flag-decked garden and entered by the conservatory door.

People were beginning to crowd about them.

”We must find you a seat somehow,” said Capper.

”I must have a word with the bride and bridegroom first,” Lucas declared.

But the bride and bridegroom were for the moment inaccessible, being completely surrounded by well-wishers.

Capper seized upon the first chair he came upon and put Lucas into it.

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