There was a long pause; the doctor sat staring in front of him. “What do you want me to do?” he asked faintly.
“I don't know,” said Samuel. “Is it for me to tell you what is right?”
And again there was a pause.
“My boy,” said the doctor, “this is a terrible thing for me. Mr. Hickman is my wife's brother, and she loves him very dearly. And he is a very good friend of mine—I depend on him in all the business matters of the church.
“Yes,” said Samuel. “But he bribed the city council.”
“This thing would make a frightful scandal if it were known,” the other went on. “Think what a terrible thing it would be for St. Matthew's!”
“It is much worse as it is,” said the boy. “For people hear the story, and they say that the church is sheltering evil doers.”
“Think what a burden you place upon me!” cried the clergyman in distress. “A member of my own family!”
“It is just as hard for me,” said Samuel quickly.
“In what way?”