People like Susan generally speak in the plural number when their remarks are directed to one person who is the object of their satire or reproof.
The longed-for moment came at last. As the three neared the house, George Paterson said:
"Run on and go to your mother alone, boy; she will like it best."
Jack did as he was bid, and in a few minutes he was kneeling at his mother's side, clasping her round the waist and covering her with kisses.
"Forgive me, mother dear; forgive me!"
Mrs. Harrison could only press the boy close to her heart and murmur over him tender words, while Joy's little voice said:
"Kiss me too, Jack, dear Jack. Of course every one forgives you—because God for Christ's sake has forgiven us. Oh, dear, dear old Jack!"
It was not till Jack was in his bed that night that his mother, kneeling by him, poured out her heart in thankfulness to God. Then he drew from under his pillow the old red and yellow handkerchief, and in a few words told the story as the sailor had told it to him.
"The token has come at last," poor Patience said. "Yes, I marked those letters on the handkerchief with my own hand. Oh, Jack! Jack! it all comes back to me, and I have had a weary time of waiting; but it is better to know at last."