CHAPTER XVI
THE OPEN DOOR
Billy had already departed upon Scott's mount era he and Dinah set forth
to walk to the Court. It was threatening to rain, and the ground beneath
their feet was sodden and heavy.
"It is rather a shame to ask you to walk," said Scott, as they turned up
the muddy road. "They would have sent a car for you if I had thought."
"I would much rather walk," said Dinah. Her face was very pale. She
looked years older than she had looked at Willowmount. After a moment she
added, "We shall pass the church. Perhaps you would like to see it. They
were going to decorate it this morning."
"I should," said Scott.
He limped beside her, and she curbed her pace to his though the fever of
unrest that surged within her urged her forward. They went up the lane
that led to the church in almost unbroken silence.
At the churchyard gate she paused. "I hope there is no one here," she
said uneasily.
"We need not go in unless you wish," he answered.
But when they reached the porch, they found that the church was empty,
and so they entered.
A heavy scent of lilies pervaded the place. There was a wonderful white
arch of flowers at the top of the aisle, and the chancel was decked with
them. The space above the altar was a mass of white, perfumed splendour.
They had been sent down from the Court that morning.
Slowly Scott passed up the nave with the bride-elect by his side,
straight to the chancel-steps, and there he paused.
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