'That is well, that is well,' he said; 'I have but one wish now--to repair the wrong I have done. You said that I had driven all hope of happiness from your heart; what kind of happiness should I experience if I could restore what I have robbed you of! Repentance is good; atonement is better!'
I knew by his agitated tone how strong was his wish, and I pressed his hand. Silence was best at such a time.
Shortly afterwards we arrived at the shop, and I saw a light gleaming through the shutters. To my surprise, uncle Bryan, instead of unlocking the door, knocked at it, and I found myself wondering who was inside; all the members of Josey West's family were at home in their old house. As uncle Bryan knocked, my mother grasped my hand tightly; I looked into her face, and saw in it an expression of love, so sweet and pure, and yet withal so wistful and yearning, that a wild unreasoning hope entered my heart. I could not have defined it, but it seemed to me that something good was about to occur. The door was opened from within, and uncle Bryan stood for a moment on the threshold. Before I could follow him my mother pulled my face down to hers, and kissed me more than once with great tenderness.
'You are crying, mother,' I said; and then I thought that joy on entering the old shop, and sleeping again beneath its roof, had caused her tears.
'God bless you, my darling!' she sobbed; 'God bless you!'
We entered the shop; uncle Bryan was standing there alone; a light was in the little parlour.
'Go in, Chris,' he said.
'I went in, and there sat Jessie, working at the table. She looked towards me, with a smile that was tender and arch upon her lips. I passed my hands across my eyes, scarcely believing the evidence of my senses.
'It is true, Chris,' she said, rising; 'are you not glad to see me?'
I looked round for uncle Bryan and my mother; they were not in the room, and the door was closed behind me. Then I understood it all.