Undoubtedly it may; forget this signature, as I shall.
(Saying so, he tore the note.)
See there the small offering which I make to your repentance and return to virtue. Your father knows nothing of this: let us conceal it from him.
Landbergen embraced his young benefactor. We both observed that he was very much moved: he grasped Charles’s hand, and could only say, I owe my preservation, my peace, to you.
Had you seen, at this moment, your brother, Miss Emilia, you would have been delighted. The most heart-felt satisfaction seemed painted on his countenance. We then left the house, and during our walk home, we endeavoured in vain to raise Landbergen’s spirits; he appeared oppressed by a sense of his fault.
We found the old gentleman his father at home: he received us with the highest satisfaction, and was struck with astonishment to see his son enter with us. He viewed him with tears in his eyes, exclaiming, What my son!—Your brother caught hold of each of their hands, and joining them together, whispered the father, “Forgive your son, he is truly penitent.” The son could not speak, he sighed, and his tears fell on his father’s hand. The father also was speechless; but soon recollecting himself, he said, how shall I interpret this deep concern! heaven grant it may be sincere! It is sincere, exclaimed the son, eagerly; see the gentleman to whom I am indebted for all this. He has saved me from shame, and raised me from meanness, by his noble generosity. I earnestly wish to distinguish myself by acting properly: speak, Mr. Grandison, my father may know all.—Your father does know all, since he knows you repent. We are both young, we have still a character to obtain in the world; let us struggle for a good one. Let all disagreeable reflections be now laid aside. You shall hear, said he, taking down young Landbergen’s violin, how well I can play a Dutch tune.
Farewell; believe me respectfully yours.
WILLIAM.
LETTER XXVII.
Emilia to William.
My brother reproved me in his last, for not having answered your letter. I will now write a long one to make amends; and, following your example, tell you minutely what I have been doing since my brother left me. My mother has allowed me a new amusement, which I hope you and Charles will have a share in when you return. It is a weekly concert, which our music master directs at the different houses of a select number of his scholars. He thinks, and my mother agrees with him, that it will very much improve us all.