"Now, sir, what does this visit mean? Did I not forbid you my house?"
"You did, sir, and I had no intention of intruding upon you. All I came for was some old letters of my mother's and grandmother's, and a few trifles which had been theirs. I meant to see nurse and ask for these, but I met the children, and they would not be content unless I waited to see you."
"And you were foolish enough to yield to their wish?"
"I was, sir," rejoined the young man in a voice trembling with emotion. "And after all, am I not your son?"
"You are—worse luck for me! And a prodigal son at that!"
"Since you refer to the prodigal, sir," said Bob "might I venture to remind you how the father in the parable received his repentant son?"
"I object to Scripture being dragged into every day life," said Mr. Ellis. "Still, as you are here, I'll hear what you have to say. No one shall call me unjust or unfair." And he drew himself up with a gesture and half-smile of self-righteousness that might well have been those of the proud Pharisee in the parable when, standing and praying with himself, he said, "Lord, I thank Thee that I am not as other men are."
"Thank you, sir," said Bob. "I've only to tell you that I'm sorry for the past; I know I've behaved badly; but I'd be glad to give up my companions and my shady means of living, if I might come home."
"I dare say you would," replied Mr. Ellis; "they all say that, and I can't trust you. No—as you made your bed, you must lie on it. It would be robbing myself and the rest if I took you back."
"One moment, father. Hear me out before you send me back to the old sins and sorrows again. I want to be different from what I've been. I want to earn an honest living. Give me a chance! Oh, father, for God's sake, for my poor soul's sake, give me just one chance. Let me come home?"