SCHOOL DAYS
"Go and ask the Doctor."
"I will."
That very night, after prayers, East followed the Doctor and the old verger bearing the candle up-stairs. Tom watched, and saw the Doctor turn round when he heard footsteps following him closer than usual, and say, "Hah! East! Do you want to speak with me, my man?"
"If you please, sir"; and the private door closed and Tom went to his study in a state of great trouble of mind.
It was almost an hour before East came back; then he rushed in breathless.
"Well, it's all right!" he shouted, seizing Tom by the hand. "I feel as if a ton weight were off my mind."
"Hurra!" said Tom. "I knew it would be; but tell us all about it."
"Well, I just told him all about it. You can't think how kind and gentle he was, the great, grim man, whom I feared more than anybody on earth. When I stuck, he lifted me, just as if I had been a little child. And he seemed to know all I'd felt, and to have gone through it all. And I burst out crying—more than I've done this five years; and he sat down by me and stroked my head; and I went blundering on, and told him all—much worse things than I've told you. And he wasn't shocked a bit, and didn't snub me, or tell me I was a fool, and it was all nothing but pride or wickedness, though I dare say it was. And he didn't tell me not to follow out my thoughts, and he didn't give me any cut-and-dried explanation. But when I'd done he just talked a bit—I can hardly remember what he said yet; but it seemed to spread round me like healing and strength and light; and to bear me up and plant me on a rock, where I could hold my footing and fight for myself. I don't know what to do, I feel so happy. And it's all owing to you, dear old boy!" and he seized Tom's hand again.
"And you're to come to the Communion?" said Tom.
[ 337 ]
