“I’m sorry to hear what my little Lillie has been doing,” he said, sadly.
The child covered her face with both hands.
“Indeed, indeed, papa, I am so sorry,” she sobbed.
“But that will not undo it, my child, it cannot give me back my trust in your honor and truth.”
It was very bitter. What would she have given to blot out all those last days? Her guilty pleasure seemed so very worthless now, and she had given in exchange her papa’s esteem, Miss Lane’s confidence, her peace of mind. She sat with her head bent down in humiliation, while her papa stood over her with the face which he had worn when her mamma died. Lillie could not bear it.
“Oh! papa, please forgive me, please trust me again; I cannot bear it.”
And Lillie felt his arms around her, and his kiss on her cheek, while she sobbed as if her heart would break.
“I will take any punishment, papa, so you’ll let me be your little Lillie again. It has been so miserable.”
“My dear, I forgive you—you must not forget that there is some one else whose pardon you must ask. You have displeased God no less than me—and you are His baptized child, you know.”
Lillie hung her head, and her papa, kissing her again, left her to seek that pardon, which she did seek humbly and with tears. Before she slept she opened her heart to her teacher also, and received an assurance of forgiveness.