He raised his eyes, and met the sorrowful gaze of his parent, and stretching out his hands, as if beseeching his love and forgiveness, he uttered the one word:
“Father!”
“My son!”
Their hands clasped, and father and son wept tears which were an honor to their manhood, and the sight of which caused other eyes to fill.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
FORGIVENESS.
It was several minutes ere the reunited family could compose themselves. But at length Alfred Ellerton conquered in a measure his emotion, and said:
“I thank Heaven for these unexpected and unmerited blessings. It is more than I ever hoped for, to have both wife and child restored to me at once. But, my son, we will now listen to your mother’s story, after which we will hear what you may have to tell us. I know my dear ones have seen much of suffering, but I trust all is over now, and that the future has only blessings in store for us.”
Ralph turned again to his mother, seated himself by her side, and took her delicate hand in his.
She smiled a sweet, fond smile at the caressing touch, and clasped her other hand over it, then turning to her husband, began her tale:
“My life has been a dreary one indeed! When I returned to our home, Alfred, and found your letter, or what I supposed to be yours, and also that the only proof of our marriage was missing, I could not do otherwise than believe you false and heartless, as your cruel words indicated.