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Show 253 When at last he looked up hoping to read faces he was surprised to find himself at some distance from the bed and the others already milling around the room, talking quietly and straightening things up. Elders Burton and Zaret had put the dresser back on its feet and were picking up the objects that had scattered and putting them hack on top. Sorenson carefully gathered the shards of mirror, using his handkerchief, and dropped them in the waste basket. Brother Heinmiller was in the room, still pale but smiling now as he stood talking with Oakley and the branch president and his wife. She was weak but appeared to be in good spirits. She had gathered the strength to reach out from beneath the quilt and take her husband's hand, and the flesh on her arm hung reassuringly soft. The branch president made a joke and patted the clasped hands of the couple, who laughed weakly, and then he stood up and left the room. Lorin knelt to help his companion with the pieces of glass. He managed to stay busy until the branch president returned and said something to Heinmiller, his arm once again around the poor devil's shoulder. "All in a night's work," Lorin said under the buzz of sounds to make sure he had a voice. "Sort of takes it out of you, doesn't it?" said Sorenson. "That's not what I was thinking of," said Lorin, and wild horses would not have made him say more. Back in the living room they pulled on overshoes and buttoned coats and patted pockets for gloves and stared out windows until Heinmiller appeared from the bedroom, escorting his bundled wife by the elbow. She walked unsteadily and sat down on the nearest chair, darting glances at the room full of people, while the branch president issued instructions. Oakley would drive the pair to the hospital in Heinmiller's car; Elder |
