"Father, I didn't; I added to her troubles." The words came from Dora. She said them eagerly, impulsively, as was sometimes her manner. And no sooner had her voice died away than Robert was heard saying sorrowfully,—
"You know what I did. I have been the worst of all."
"My boy, you fell grievously," said Mr. Grainger, gravely but fondly, "but you were sorry, and God forbid that I should ever bring up your sin against you. Be thankful you profited by your bitter experience. Your repentance brought your promise to your memory, and I know you have striven to keep it, for you have struggled with your besetting sins, and are steadily and surely overcoming them. Robert, I do not think we need speak of the past again."
No, there was no need; he felt that, and he looked into his father's face with a smile that was full of trust and full of love.
"And I have tried to keep the promise, father."
"And I."
"And I."
Not one voice was silent, but some were confident and sure, and others were doubtful and hesitating.
"I know you have, each one of you, though some have tried more bravely and thoroughly than the rest. Now let us resolve that from this time we will strive still more earnestly to love our Heavenly Father and to please and serve Him. Then our love for each other will increase and deepen, for he that loveth God will love his brother also. Children, kneel with me, and let us offer hearty thanks to Him who has permitted us all meet together again in safety, and let us, too, ask His blessing upon the future that awaits us."
A heartfelt prayer is never offered in vain, and with that blessing resting upon them, we may be sure the efforts of the again united family were not fruitless. We may be certain, too, that, with the love of God binding them together and strengthening their love for each other, there could be no happier household than that to which we must now say good-bye.