That evening, when Arthur entered the vestry looking for Paul, he found him curled up in his underwear in a foetal position on the floor. He pulled Paul to his feet and sat him in a chair, covered him with a surplice and brought him a glass of water. He held the glass to help Paul drink.
When he had finished the water Arthur refilled the glass. Bit by bit Paul seemed to be regaining his normal awareness.
“Arthur, my friend, she"s a devil!” he blurted hoarsely. “La Belle Dame Sans Merci!”
La Belle Dame Sans Merci!“Take it easy, Paul,” Arthur advised. “Drink. Be calm.”
Paul drank unaided, but his hands trembled. Arthur helped him stand up.
“Let"s get you to the cottage.”
They were about to step into the chancel when Arthur pulled back.
“We"ve got company.”
They peered through the ves
