"I've got a headache," answered Reg, flushing beneath his uncle's gaze. He might more truly have said a "heartache."
During the conversation which ensued a sudden inspiration flashed into Matthew's mind.
"I have been talking to Hugh," he said thoughtfully, "and he is very unhappy about this trouble at school. I wonder if you could help me. I want to clear his name before I return to The Towers, for I feel sure he is innocent, and that an enemy has done him this wrong."
Matthew unconsciously had sent an arrow straight to his listener's heart. He had no idea in his mind of fixing the guilt on Reg, and his astonishment was unbounded when the lad, hitherto so calm and self-contained in his presence, suddenly threw himself full length upon a couch, and hiding his face in his hands burst into tears.
Then in an instant the truth dawned upon Matthew.
"Reg, my poor boy," he said, gently laying his hand upon the lad's shoulder, "what is it?"
"Don't touch me, Uncle Matthew, I'm not fit. I am the most miserable boy in the whole world!" cried Reg, his voice quivering with emotion.
"Tell me all about it, from beginning to end," said Matthew firmly, yet with compassion in his tones.
Then the whole miserable story was told, even to the sad part he had played in Elsie's accident. For a while Matthew was silent, and then with a swift, silent prayer for guidance, he said quietly—
"That's well spoken, my boy; you have gained a victory over self, this afternoon, which is one step at least in the right direction. Now the first thing to be done, is to ask forgiveness of One whom you have grievously sinned against. Go to your room, Reg, and tell Him all, as you have told me, and ask for pardon. Then come to me again, and we will consider the next step."