Faringfield.
"He is now waiting in the garden. I have been telling Mr. Faringfield,
ma'am, that the young man is greatly altered. Upon my word, he shows
the truest signs of penitence. I believe he is entirely reformed; he
says so."
"You'd best let him come in, William," counselled Mrs. Faringfield.
"If you don't, goodness knows what he may do."
"Madam, I resolved long ago to let the law do its utmost upon him, if
he should ever return."
"Oh, but think what scandal! What will all my relations say? Besides,
if he is reformed--"
"If he is reformed, let him show it by his conduct on my refusing to
take him back; and by suffering the penalty of his crime."
"Oh!--penalty! Don't speak such words! A jailbird in the family! I
never could endure it! I shouldn't dare go to church, or be seen
anywhere in public!"
"The same old discussion!" said Mr. Faringfield, with a wearied frown.
"Papa, you won't send him to jail, will you?" ventured Fanny, with
eyes rapidly moistening, and lips turning to a pout in spite of
herself.
"Really, sir," put in Cornelius, trembling at his own temerity, "if
you could but see him--take my word, sir, if ever there was a case
where forgiveness--"
After much more of this sort of talk, and being shaken in will by the
day's previous excitements, Mr. Faringfield at length gave in so far
as to consent to an interview with the penitent, to whom thereupon
Cornelius hastened with the news.
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