MATTHEW had returned to The Towers, having fulfilled his mission well. His leave-taking on the Monday following Reg's confession was somewhat unexpected. It was owing to the fact that he had received a letter from his father, who, feeling himself to be growing old and feeble, and likewise weary of his own society, desired his son's immediate return.
Thus was Reg left with the hardest battles to fight, namely, to confess his grievous faults to his Aunt Elizabeth, and to suffer his humiliation at school. It was almost more than he knew how to contemplate, but having started on the upward path, he determined to proceed, however difficult the way.
It was all over at last. Hugh's name was cleared, and Reg, feeling as though life had no longer any hope or gladness, hid himself away in his bedroom and refused to be comforted. He had written his confession to his aunt, and the note was blistered with tears of genuine penitence.
For a while Mrs. Rose felt her heart to be hardened against the lad who had wrought so much sorrow. And not until the evening of the day, when on her knees she breathed the petition,—
"'Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us,—"
was she softened towards the culprit.
Hugh and Frank were indignant. The former could far more easily forgive the wrong done to himself than the cruel act which had occasioned his little sister so much suffering. They were ready to wage any amount of warfare in harsh words and bitter upbraidings, but they soon realized the "Yorkists" had no longer any spirit to fight.
"It takes two to make a quarrel," said Frank, "so I suppose, as the Yorkists have given up the fight, the victory is ours."
"They are not even worth having for enemies," answered Hugh, with supreme contempt.
Ronnie sought out his little friend Gwennie next morning, and told her of his brother's decision to end the battle.