Alfred's heart turned to lead.
When the young people reached the steps the eyes of the rivals met for one brief second, but that was long enough for them to understand each other.

They did not speak.

Lydia hesitated and looked toward Betty.
"Betty, here is--" began Col.

Zane, but Betty passed them with flaming cheeks and with not so much as a glance at Alfred.

It was an awkward moment for him.
"Let us go in," he said composedly, and they filed into the church.
As long as he lived Alfred Clarke never forgot that hour.