My mother’s casket was behind the velvet curtain in the next parlor.

I had no plans to look at her today.

At ten past one, the heavy door handle turned.

Arthur came in first.

He wore a dark gray suit and a plain blue tie.

He rested his hands on his belly while he looked around the room.

Pastor Higgins came in right behind him, carrying his worn black Bible.

He had his formal vestments on under a dark coat.