Read "The Bishop's Secret" by Fergus Hume online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
For some moments Graham did not speak, but looked with pity on the grief-shaken frame and bowed shoulders of his sorely-tried friend. Indeed, the position of the man was such that he did not see what comfort he could administer, and so, very wisely, held his peace. However, when the bishop, growing more composed, remained still silent, he could not forbear offering him a trifle of consolation.
'Don't grieve so, Pendle! ' he said, laying his hand on the other's shoulder; 'it is not your fault that you are in this position.'