A SAD STORY. 10o

me that evening to the doctor, who would possibly
have been able then to avert that terrible catas-
trophe. But the agitation caused by my conduct,
coming as it did on him whilst already suffering, was
too much for the enfeebled heart to bear. Whilst I
sat at my window that night cherishing those cruel,
unkind, and unjust thoughts, my father was actually
dying within two yards of me! His latest moments
must have been embittered by disappointment and
wounded affection !
 Mr. Lane's voice as he uttered these last sentences
grew sharp with agony, and Jack, unable to restrain
himself, threw his arms around him and sobbed aloud.
 Mr. Lane pressed the agitated and affectionate boy
close to him for a moment, and then loosening Jack's
arms from about his neck, he spoke again quietly, but
with the same sad and hopeless tone in which he had
told his tale.
 "Dear boy, I have not spoken of this silent, but
ever-present grief of mine for fourteen long years.
God knows that those years have been passed in
bitter tears of repentance and remorse. But, Jack, if
I live to be an old man, I shall yet carry my sorrow
with me to the grave. Nothing in this world can
ever make me forget my sin for one short hour. But,
Jack, I have not told you this sorrowful tale only to
grieve and sadden you. I have told it to you that