“But what must I do to keep out of sin?”
“‘If thou wilt love Christ and follow His teaching,’” said Gerhardt, quoting from his confession of faith, “‘thou must watch, and read the Scriptures. Spiritual poverty of heart must thou have, and love purity, and serve God in humility.’”
“I can’t read!” exclaimed Leuesa, in a tone which showed that she would have deemed it a very extraordinary thing if she could.
“Thou canst hear. Ermine will repeat them to thee, if thou ask her—so long as we are here.”
“Osbert says you won’t be for long. He thinks you are bad people; I don’t know why.”
“Nor do I, seeing we serve God—save that the enemy of God and men spreads abroad falsehoods against us.”
They had reached the little postern of the Castle. Gerhardt rapped at the door, and after two or three repetitions, it was opened.
“Oh, it’s you, is it?” said Stephen’s voice behind it. “Get you in quickly, Leuesa, for Hagena’s in a terrible tantrum. She declares you’ve run away.”
“I’m late, I know,” answered Leuesa humbly; “but I could not help it, Stephen.”
“Well, you’ll catch it, I can tell you; and the longer you stay, the more you’ll catch: so best get it over.—Gerard, will you come in? I want a word with you.”