Chapter 5

The clock struck. Jonathan looked up. Quarter past eight. It was time to leave for Sabbath Services. Torn in a way he had never experienced in his life, he rose, laid the Bible, still open, on the desk nearest him, took his hat from the peg, and left the school.

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As he walked down the road that led from the school to the town, he made a firm resolve to not allow it to happen again. How had he permitted it in the first place? He had dined with Nathaniel. The man had spoken in that husky voice; in hushed tones of the joy he had taken in seeing Jonathan, feeling the reaction that had passed between them when they had touched. Jonathan remembered sitting as if transfixed, saying nothing, only nodding in agreement.

When could they meet? That night? Nathaniel had asked.

No, Jonathan had thought. It was Sabbath Eve. It was forbidden to be out when one should be preparing for Service. But, he had nodded in agreement.

Where could they meet? The school? That would be private.