“And if I got you into trouble, perhaps?”
“But you wouldn't. You wouldn't get anybody into trouble.”
John could go no further. The implicit trust in the simple face was too much for him.
“What is it?” said Brother Andrew.
“Oh, nothing—nothing at all,” said John. “I was only trying you, but you are too good to be tempted, and I am ashamed. You must go to bed now.”
“Can I put out the lights for you?”
“No, I'm not ready yet. Ugh! what a cruel wind! A cold night for Brother Paul in the church.”
“Tell me, Brother Storm, what is the matter with Brother Paul? He makes me think of my mother, I don't know why.”
John made no answer, and the lay brother began to go upstairs. Two steps up he stopped and whispered:
“Won't you let me do something for you, then?”