And now he was lying there with his mother seated by his side. Would her eyes have rested upon him so fondly and with such deep thankfulness and joy if she had known? But she should know. The resolution with which he had sprung out of bed on the previous evening to go to her should be carried out without a moment's delay.
"What is it, dear? Do you want anything?"
"Mother, I must talk to you. I can't rest if I don't."
"Lie still, then, and tell me. You are throwing all the bedclothes off."
"I have been so wicked. I—I learned to skate before father went, and yesterday—you said it was yesterday, didn't you?—I went to Hendon with Jack, and the ice broke, and—"
"My child, I know all. I came up to your room last night to find you insensible on the floor. We put you into bed and sent for Dr. Fowler, but before he arrived I guessed much, and have since learned the whole truth. In your delirium you told everything. My poor boy, I am so sorry. If I could have done so, how gladly would I have saved you all this misery and wretchedness."
"But, mother, I disobeyed you. I led you to think what wasn't true. Can you ever forgive me?"
"Forgive you? Indeed I can and do;" and a loving kiss was fondly imprinted on his forehead.
"And you can love me still?"
"Robert, nothing can draw a mother's love from her child, and I can only rejoice over you when I think how nearly I have lost you. Your own sin led you into the danger, but I know, too, that your repentance is sincere and deep. Now confess your sin to God, and ask Him to forgive you. Then thank Him, as I do, that He has spared your life. But it must not end there, dear: you must show your sorrow for the past by leading a new life in the future."