About this story
You and Madeline test a fragile new closeness — jealousy admitted, a picnic arranged for tomorrow — until you wake at three in the morning gripped by a dread you cannot explain. By breakfast, Mr. Lewis brings the reason: George is dead in his room, a pistol wound at his temple, and no one has told Madeline yet.
How it opens
Newville's prayer meeting had reached its customary silence when George Bayley rose unexpectedly.
Mr LewisThere is time for one more testimony, if anyone feels obliged to speak.
George had repaid the money he once took, yet the village still knew the history.
George BayleyForgiveness repaired my offence to others but did not erase it from me.
Choose
Let him finish before offering reassurance he has already found insufficient.
Ask whether leaving Newville is the decision he means to announce.