"And do you forgive me, Henry?" he exclaimed: "can you forgive one who has acted so basely towards you?"
"I can and do," he answered, "and will beg of Dr. Harris to forgive you also." He then seized him by the hand, and, half undressed as he was, with his coat under his arm, and his eyes swollen with crying, he drew him to the school-room, where Dr. Harris had just taken his seat. As he made his way towards the desk, the boys were greatly surprised, and wondered when they heard Henry ask Dr. Harris to forgive him. "I found him, Sir," continued Henry, "upon his knees, asking forgiveness of the Almighty, and making promises of future amendment. I therefore, as far as I am concerned, heartily forgive him, and I hope, Sir, you will do the same."
Dr. Harris then addressed Greene in his most impressive manner, telling him that he was glad to find he was made sensible of his error; and was also happy to see him so full of contrition: adding, "that, as it is the sincere wish of Henry, to whom you ought to be for ever grateful, I am willing to think no more of this matter. But it is not to me, so much as to your school-fellows, you need look for forgiveness; and to them you ought to apply, as being the parties offended."
Henry then took him down the school, and by his earnest entreaties and pathetic address, obtained his pardon.
Greene now retired, and in a short time returned to his lessons, somewhat happier than when he arose, but still depressed by shame.
The next day Mr. Wardour returned, and had the felicity to find his son restored to health and happiness. When he heard of his acquittal, and of his noble conduct in obtaining pardon for Greene, he pressed him to his bosom, and almost shed tears of joy. He then exhorted him to be always grateful for this providential discovery of his innocence, and to let all the future actions of his life be governed by the same noble principles as he had followed upon this trying occasion. After making a present to George and little Ned, for their friendly conduct towards his son, he obtained a holiday for the whole school, and took his leave.
Mr. Greene, upon hearing of his son's conduct, would have severely punished him, had not Dr. Harris assured him of his contrition, and begged of him to inflict no further chastisement than he had already received from his little school-follows. He therefore contented himself with making Scott a handsome present.
Mrs. Harris and her daughters had been lately busy in relieving the family of poor Martha Watson, whom the late circumstances had brought under their notice. The husband, by this good lady's well-timed attendance, had now recovered his health, and had gone to work, while the children were clothed and made decent in their appearance; and their mother never failed to bless the names of Henry and George, and to thank that Providence which had directed them to her cottage.