A SAD HOME-COMING. 199

old writing-table and in the worn arm-chair that
he knew so well!
 A great sigh of thankfulness came from his over-
charged breast and the leaden burthen with which it
had been loaded melted suddenly away.
 Jack raised his eyes to the calm heavens above
him, and breathed a short prayer of gratitude to the
merciful Father of all. Then he turned his gaze
again upon the window as if he would never weary
of the sight which it afforded him. But on this
second view he saw, what had, in the first hasty
glance, escaped his notice. His father was in some
great grief. His face was pale and worn as if from
sorrow, and he looked years older than when Jack
had left; he saw, too, that his hair had grown almost
white. Just then he heard a groan; he knew that it
had come from his father's lips, and he saw that Mr.
Gilbert covered his face with his hands, and that his
frame was shaken with sobs.
 Jack could no longer bear the sight. Quickly
stepping to the porch he softly opened the door, crept
gently across the hall, and in another moment he was
in his father's presence.
 Father! father !" he cried, stretching out his arms,
" forgive me, forgive me."
 Mr. Gilbert rose up hastily, and as he did so Jack
saw that he shook from head to foot.