“Our host and hostess will be here very soon,” he said. “Meanwhile, Philip, if you like, I will ask you and my friend Johnny some questions about your studies.”
The boys were delighted, and immediately placed themselves before him, their arms around each other’s necks.
Question after question was poured out, and readily answered by the boys in turn—Johnny sometimes having to prompt Phil, and Phil quite as often helping his friend; while the farmer, his wife, and Essie listened with delighted attention: and two others listened—for a door behind the boys had been softly opened, and a gentleman and lady stood with the rest, their faces beaming and radiant with love and eagerness.
The good minister saw them, and turning to Phil, he said—
“My dear boy, you have done so well, not only in your studies, but in what is of far more importance, in conquering your bad habits, that all that there is left to wish for is, that your parents might take you back to their home and hearts.”
The lady gave a sudden start towards him at this, but the gentleman laid his hand gently on her arm.
“Oh, sir,” answered Phil, his lip quivering, “will they ever love me again? Can they ever forgive me?”
“Oh, yes! yes! my own darling boy!” screamed the lady.
Philip turned quickly around, became deadly pale, staggered towards her, and fell nearly fainting into the outstretched arms of his mother; while his father, seizing his hand, cried—
“God bless you, my son! God bless you! You have done nobly. You have made us very, very happy.”