“But God willed it otherwise, brother; let us say no more about it.”
“You forgive me, then?”
“Forgive? It is I who ought to ask for your forgiveness, and perhaps if I told you everything——”
“There is something else. Listen! The Almighty is calling me; I have no time to lose.”
“But you are so cold, brother! Lie on the bed, and I'll cover you with the bedclothes. Oh, never fear; they sha'n't separate us again. If the Father were at home—he is so good and tender-hearted—but no matter. There, there!”
“You will despise and hate me—you who are so holy and brave, and have given up everything and conquered the world, and even triumphed over love itself!”
“Don't say that, brother.”
“It's true, isn't it? Everybody knows what a holy life you live.”
“Hush!”
“But I have never lived the religious life at all, and I only came to it as a refuge from the law and the gallows; and if the Father hadn't——”