Ben's heart reproached him as he saw the traces of sorrow upon his mother's face, and felt that he had been the cause.
"Forgive me, mother!" he said.
"It is all forgotten now. I am so happy!" she answered, her eyes filled with joyful tears.
They sat down together, and Ben began to tell his story. In the midst of it his father entered. He stopped short when he saw Ben sitting beside his mother.
"It is Ben come back," said his mother, joyfully.
Mr. Brandon did not fall on his son's neck and kiss him. That was not his way. He held out his hand, and said, "Benjamin, I am very glad to see you."
In the evening they talked together over the new plans which Ben's return suggested.
"You must stay with us, Ben," said his mother. "I cannot part with you now."
"I am getting old, Benjamin," said his father. "I need help in my business. You must stay and help me, and by and by you shall have the whole charge of it."
"I am afraid I don't know enough," said Ben. "I haven't studied any since I left home. I don't know as much as I did when I was ten."