Henning realized that the present moment was a critical one in his life; that now, or perhaps never, would all suspicion be removed. He felt that if this interview should result in nothing not already known, and he remain under the unjust and cruel suspicion, it would compel him to reconsider seriously his purpose of entering the seminary. Was there not also a possibility that the bishop would reject him--would be compelled to reject him--upon learning that his character for honesty was impugned?
All this and much more he saw as he stood by the bedside of the injured boy, waiting for him to speak. While waiting he offered a fervent prayer to the Sacred Heart for direction for himself, and that if it were in Stockley's power to do so, he might clear up everything.
To see Henning at this moment one would never imagine that he was very much excited. His two friends thought he was taking the matter very coolly. He stood at the bedside with his hands in the side pockets of his trousers, and with as much apparent nonchalance as if he were watching a ball-game.
Perceiving that Stockley would not, or at least did not begin the conversation, he remarked:
"I am sorry that you have met with so serious and so terrible an accident."
There was no reply. Stockley put out his uninjured hand, but Roy did not take it. He felt that there was something in the character of the boy lying before him that was entirely antagonistic to his own character and disposition. They were the opposites of each other in almost everything. The one was animated with noble and generous impulses, with exalted ideals of life and duty and goodness. The other, as far as Roy had known him, was the antithesis of all this. Seeing that Stockley did not speak, he again made an attempt to open the conversation.
"The infirmarian tells me that you wish to say something to me."
"Yes," said the other in a low voice. He was really suffering a great deal of pain. "Yes, won't you all take chairs? Sit down, all of you."
"Thanks, I prefer to stand," said Roy, but the other two found seats.
"But it is rather a long story I have determined to tell. It will take some time."
"That's right. It makes it easier for me to say what I am going to tell."