"O Lord, we pray Thee for some sign that we are heard. We ask Thee for Thy blessing upon one whom we love. Thou knowest the cruel snares set for the feet of the young; keep his feet from going in those paths. Forgive those who have tried to set his way therein. Bring him safely home. We wait, O Lord!"
The voice grew shrill; the key upon which it ended was high, as though the petitioner did indeed wait. There was suddenly a sound outside that was different from the wind, a sharp closing of the gate behind a visitor in haste. Before Grandfather and Amos could rise from their knees, the door opened, and, looking up, they saw not a mysterious visitor, still less Matthew, whom his grandfather thought of first of all, but Levis, pale and drenched with rain.
Levis looked away; he did not like to see men in the act of baring their souls any more than he liked to bare his own.
"There is no interruption. Sit down, Edward."
"Nothing," said Grandfather at last. "I haven't seen him since long before he was sent away. What is the matter with Matthew?"
Grandfather waited for further information. In his heart he said, "Thank God!"
"He hasn't simply disappeared; he has deliberately run away, after notifying the registrar that he was going. He was forbidden to go, but he went nevertheless."
"I've been praying that he would resist temptation," said Grandfather boldly. "Perhaps this is the answer."
"I'm not concerned about temptations," answered Levis impatiently. "Matthew is no fool. I'm concerned for his health. Where is he?"
Then Levis felt the door against which he stood move slightly and turned with tigerish swiftness and threw it open. In came the wind and sleet, and in came also Matthew, rain-soaked, bedraggled, with bent head. He pressed hard against the door until it was closed and then stood panting with bright, sullen eyes.
"How long have you been out in this storm?"
"Only a little while. I walked yesterday and the day before, but to-day I got a long ride in a market wagon."
"Have you any clothes here that he can put on?" This in a physician's sharp tone to Amos.
"At supper time," said Matthew and shut the door.
Levis sat down by the table. "Have you any stimulant in the house?"
"God in Heaven, Edward, now that he is here and safe, would you ruin him deliberately? Aren't you satisfied?"