"Isn't it sad for him?"
"It serves him right, for such wicked and underhand dealings."
"Yes, isn't it strange that people forget that they will be sure to be found out one day? Father always used to say that it paid best to be honest and upright in every way, even if it were not a question of right. Dishonest people must always live in fear of being found out. Father said we must always live open lives, and then everything would be right."
"Your father was a good man, Owen. I can't think how I came to suspect you. Only get well, and I will do all I can for you."
"Thank you, uncle; I am very glad you know I did not do it," replied the boy, as if he could not forget how heavy a weight had been lifted off him.
"It troubled you?" asked Mr. Hadleigh, kindly.
"Yes, sir, very much. Only I knew that God knew all about it, and I hoped He would right me one day."
"Does it comfort you to think that God knows all about you?"
"Yes, indeed it does; specially since He has made me His child. I like to think He knows just where I am, and what I am doing, and that He cares for me all the day long. He makes me so happy."
Mr. Hadleigh was silent; it was an experience he knew nothing of; yet as he looked at the thin, white face, smiling so peacefully, he felt it was possible so to live. And from that day forward he was very kind and tender to Owen, often encouraging him to talk, though saying little in reply himself.