“I want to say that I consider myself to have been
a pretty mean and small sort of a fellow in this whole business.”
“Oh! Don't——”began Roy in protest.
“Wait a minute, Roy. This is the task I have set myself, for it seems to me the only possible way in which I can make reparation. I want to say that I had a good deal to do with those rumors. I got in, somehow, with a crowd of boys I ought to have been ashamed to associate with. How it all happened I don't exactly know. Things went from bad to worse with me, and pretty far, too. It seems a dream to me now. About a week ago suddenly I began to realize my position. How this realization came about I don't know. It must have been dear little Ethel's prayers for me, but I began to think of my position, think of what I was doing, and, yes, to think of the sin of it all. You were away, Roy, and when I remembered your trouble and grief at home, and when, finally, your brotherly telegram came, I began to be thoroughly ashamed of myself. So now all I can do is to ask your pardon, and the pardon of all these, your loyal and staunch friends.”
As he listened to this manly avowal, there arose in Roy Henning's breast an admiration for his cousin's moral courage. The other auditors were deeply impressed. They waited with curiosity to see what Roy would do. And he? He did precisely what might be expected of him. Without saying a word, he stepped forward, took Garrett's hand and shook it warmly. Then:
“It's all over, old man. Let bygones be bygones. I forgive everything and forget.”
“Thanks, very much. I do not deserve this, but you shall see I shall deserve it.”
There was a world of pathos and earnestness in Andrew's voice at that moment.
The rest of the gathering of friends extended their hands, and Andrew shook hands all around.