58 A NOBLE CONFESSION.

“ Maurice, you have done me more service to-day
than you could have done me injury, had you broken
all the glass in my conservatory, and destroyed every
- plant that it contains. I would be willing that such
an accident should occur very often, for the sake of
your good example, and feel grateful to you for its
effect upon Frank. I trust it will be of lasting benefit
to his character. I freely forgive you your careless-
ness; and, to show my esteem for your character and
influence, will reward you by forgiving Frank the faulé
he has committed in his effort to serve you. Frank,”
he continued, turning towards him, “you deserve com-
mendation for the effort you have made to confess your
fault. The struggle must have been hard for you, if ©
you have hitherto been in the habit of deceiving and
concealing, I trust you will henceforth follow the good
example of Maurice; and I hope ere long you will be
uniformly actuated by the same high notions of duty
which influence him. For that which alone gives per-
manency to any good intentions or resolutions is to act
in the fear and love of our heavenly Father.”

Mr. Harding then extended his hand kindly, first to
Maurice, and then to Frank. They bowed and retired
to them seats, and the exercises of the evening pro-

RET

ceeded.