The little schoolmaster drew a secret from a simple nature with as much delight as a keen terrier would draw a badger from his hiding-place.
"What do you think has happened?" he inquired, to see how much the young man knew.
"Concerning what?" answered William, on his guard.
"Concerning the person uppermost in your mind," returned the schoolmaster.
"I hope nothing ill," was William's anxious interruption.
"No, no, perhaps not ill. 'Twas good you warned me."
"It has caused me many sleepless hours," said William. "Let us draw apart, for I must talk freely with you."
They pushed back their chairs, and sought a deserted corner by the open fireplace.
"As a lad," remarked Mr. Anderson, "your brother was not prone to waste words. You are like him. Talk quickly."
"I am betwixt two fires," said the young man—"my duty and my affections, Mr. Anderson. You know me. I love my brother as I love my life, but I serve my—"