After the meal Father Hilarion returned to his boat. Father Sergius and Tichon sat down on the stone steps which led to the cell. Before them lay the lake—another sky,—pale blue, smooth and tranquil, reflecting large round white clouds.
“Have you made a vow of pilgrimage, my child?” enquired Father Sergius.
Tichon looked at him and longed to tell him the whole truth.
“I have made a great vow, Father. I am seeking through this world for the true Church.”
And he recounted his whole life, beginning with his flight from Antichrist and ending with a last abjuration of the lifeless Orthodox Church of the day.
When he had ended Father Sergius remained for a long time silent, shading his face with both hands. Then he rose and laid his hand on Tichon’s head and said:—
“Thus spoke the Lord Himself: ‘and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.’ Go then to the Lord Himself, my son, in peace. Fear nothing, you will then be in the Church again, in the true Church! in the true Church!”
Such power breathed through these words that he seemed to be prophesying.
“I implore you, Father,” exclaimed Tichon, falling at his feet, “let me be your disciple! Let me remain here with you in the forest.”
“Remain here, my child, and the Lord bless you.” Father Sergius embraced and kissed him. “You will not disturb our peace,” he added with his habitual cheerful smile.