"When you speak, uncle, I am silent. I am sorry that you witnessed this
burst of discontent. When I think upon all that I owe to you, my heart
is bankrupt in thanks; I never can repay your kindness, and the
thought--the consciousness of such overwhelming obligations makes me
unhappy."

"I read your heart, Anthony," said the Colonel seating himself beside
him. "I know all that you would say, and cannot utter; and I, instead of
you become the debtor."

"Your goodness, uncle, makes me feel ashamed of being angry with my
cousin. I wish I could forget the unfortunate circumstances in which I
am placed; that you were my father instead of him who has disowned
me--that my whole heart and soul could cling to you."

He rose hastily and flung himself into the Colonel's arms. His head was
buried in his bosom, and by the convulsive heaving of the young heart
against his own, Algernon knew that the lad was weeping. His own eyes
became moist,--he pressed him warmly against his manly breast.

"You are my son, Anthony--the son of her who received my early vows--of
her who ought to have been my wife. Her heart was mine; and though
another claims your earthly part, you are the son of my soul--of my
adoption. Henceforth let no sense of obligation exist between us."

"I take you at your word, beloved father, and if love can repay love, in
my poor heart you have no rival."

"I know it, Anthony; but since you talk of wishing to be out of my debt,
there is a way in which you can more than repay me."

He paused; Anthony raised his earnest eyes to his face. "Not only by
forgiving my dear petulant Godfrey, but by continuing his friend. I know
that I have spoilt him--that he has many faults, but I think his heart
is sound. As he grows older, he will know better how to value your
character. Promise me, Anthony, that, when I am dust, your love for me
may survive for my son."

"Uncle!" said the lad, dropping upon his knees by his side, and holding
up his clasped hands, "I swear by the God who made us, by the Saviour
who bled for us--by our common hopes of salvation through His blood,
that, whatever fortune I inherit from my father, Godfrey shall have an
equal part."

"This is too much to ask of you, Anthony, all I wish you to promise is,
simply to continue his friend, under every provocation to become
otherwise."

Anthony pressed his uncle's hand reverentially to his lips, as he said,
in a low voice, "I will endeavor to comply with yo