the glad tidings to his father. The first thought that struck him was,
that anxiety about her had produced the dreadful agitation that his
father, with all his stoical philosophy, found it impossible to
restrain, and which was so painful for him to witness. He hurried to
his side. "Don't be alarmed, my dear father, mamma is better. She sent
me to tell you so, and that she wishes to see you for a few minutes."

'He met the stern severity of Dr. Leatrim's glance; it chilled him to
the heart He drew back, regarding him in wondering surprise.

'"What is the matter, my father? Something dreadful has happened. Are
you ill?"

'"Yes, sir, I am ill--sick at heart--sick of a malady that will bring
my grey hairs in sorrow to the grave. My wound is incurable, and the
hand of a wicked son has dealt the blow."

'"Father! what do you mean? I do not understand these terrible words;"
and the boy raised the calm, inquiring glance of his clear, candid eyes
to the father's clouded brow and rigid face. "In what manner can I have
offended you?"

'"Miserable boy, if you had only offended _me_, I could bear it
and forgive you; but you have committed a crime against God--a crime so
great, that the felon who will be hung next week at N---- for murder is
innocent in comparison."

'George gazed steadily into his father's face as he said slowly, and
with blanched and quivering lips, "What have I done?"