said his father, looking at him steadily, "you have not told
the truth. You were gambling only a few nights ago. It is useless for
you to deny it. That is where the very liberal allowance I have given
you has been squandered."

George turned deathly pale and sat with bowed head while his father
went on almost sternly: "Consider your mother, George, whose heart
almost broke when you came in last night. I don't ask you to consider
me. I have not been to you what a father ought to be. But if you love
your mother and sisters, and have any self-respect left, you will let
drink and cards alone after this. In the sight of God, my dear boy,
remember what He made you for. You are young. You have all of life
before you. You can make a splendid record if God spares your life. I
would gladly give all I possess to stand where you do to-day, and live
my life over again. I can't do it. The past is irrevocable. But one
can always repent. George, believe me, your mother would rather see
you in your coffin than see you come home again as you did last night.
We love you."

Mr. Hardy, proud man as he was, could say no more. He laid his hand on
the boy's head as if he were a young lad again, and said simply, "Don't
disappoint God, my boy," and went out, leaving his son sitting there
almost overcome by his father's powerful appeal, but not yet ready to
yield himself to the still small voice that spoke within even, more
powerfully, and whispered to him, "My son, give Me thine heart. Cease
to do evil; learn to do well. Cleanse thy ways and follow after
righteousness."

It was one o'clock when Mr. Hardy came downstairs, and as he came into
the room where Mrs. Hardy and the girls were sitting, he happened to
think of some business matters between himself and his only brother,
who lived in the next town, twenty miles down the road.

He spoke of the matter to Mrs. Hardy, and she suggested that Will go
down on the three o'clock train with the papers Mr. Hardy wanted to
have his brother look over, and come back on the six o'clock in time
for dinner.

Clara asked if she couldn't go too, and Bessie added her request, as
she had not seen her aunt for some time. Mr. Hardy saw no objection to
their going, only he reminded them that he wanted them all back at six.
Alice volunteered to amuse George at home while all the rest were gone,
and Mr. and Mrs. Hardy departed for the funeral, Mr. Hardy's thoughts
still absorbed for the mos