I tried to think of him as evil, as something that the Lord who was
loving me hated, and which I might hate too. But it wouldn't do. I
broke down; I believe Christ himself broke me down; and when the
Doctor gave me the bread and wine, and leaned over me praying, I
prayed for poor Flashman, as if it had been you or Arthur."

East buried his face in his hands on the table. Tom could feel the
table tremble. At last he looked up. "Thank you again, Tom," said he;
"you don't know what you may have done for me to-night. I think I see
now how the right sort of sympathy with poor wretches is got at."

"And you'll stop for the Sacrament next time, won't you?" said Tom.

"Can I, before I'm confirmed?"

"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 foot-steps following him closer than usual,
and say "Hah, East! Do you want to speak to 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.

THE EFFECT THEREOF.

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."

"Hurrah!" 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've 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 have 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