THE MYSTERY SOLVED. 229

stance, and attempted no extenuation.
He seemed like a person who was ridding
himself of a heavy burden, and who was
desirous not to leave the slightest portion
remaining to cause him further distress.
The boys listened with breathless interest
to his confession; and, as he concluded,
all bent eagerly forward to hear what the
Doctor would say.

Before, however, he had time to speak,
there was a sudden stir among the boys,
and Frederick Seymour, stepping forward,
took Mertoun by the hand.

“Oh, Harry! pray forgive me,” said
he; ‘I little thought how unhappy I was
making you.”

“Am I to understand then, Seymour,”
said Dr. Young, with some severity,
“that it is you who have occasioned your
schoolfellow all the annoyance he _ has