Suppressed sobs there were, which no firmness could restrain. But in a few moments those precepts of the Christian pastor, which we have before mentioned, came forth among this sorrowing family, in the same elevated spirit which dictated them. When Jane had concluded this appeal to her father, there was a dead, silence in the room, and every eye glanced from, him to her, full of uncertainty as to what course of conduct he would pursue. He turned his eyes upwards for a few moments, and said:
“Can truth, my children, under any circumstances, be injurious to——”
“Oh no, no, papa,” exclaimed Jane; “I know—I feel the penalty paid for even the indirect violation of it.”
“In the name of God, then,” exclaimed the well-meaning man, “we will rely upon the good sense and religious principle of our dear Jane, and tell her the whole truth.”
“Henry, dear!” said Mrs. Sinclair in a tone of expostulation.
“Oh papa,” said Agnes, “remember your own words!”
“The truth, my papa, the truth!” said Jane. “You are its accredited messenger.”
“Jane,” said he, “is your trust strong in the support of the Almighty?”
“I have no other dependence, papa.”
“Then,” said he, “this is the truth: Charles Osborne has been false to you. He has broken his vows;—he is married to another woman. And now, my child, may the God of truth, and peace, and mercy, sustain and console you!”