Great acts are only great in the light of the actor's previous
history and training; and perhaps the atonement Teddy now
contemplated was for him as heroic as that of the martyred bishop
who held the hand that had signed the recantation steadily in the
flame until it was consumed.

The door of the office opened, and the two gentlemen were passing
out together, when Teddy started up,--

"If you please, sir, might I speak with you by yourself?"

"Oh, yes! Teddy has been very anxious for an interview with you all
the week. I will go on, and expect you down there presently," said
Mr. Barlow.

"Yes, in two minutes. Come in here, Teddy, and let us hear what you
have to say."

Mr. Burroughs threw himself into the chair he had just quitted, and
stirred the fire, saying good-humoredly,--

"Out with it, my boy! What's amiss?"

Teddy, standing beside the table, one clammy hand grasping the edge
of it, seemed to feel the floor heave beneath his feet, and the
whole room to reel and swim before his eyes. His tongue seemed
paralyzed, his lips quivered, his voice came to his own ears strange
and hollow; but still he struggled on, resolute to reach the worst.