Lord Lynwood on the lawn next morning,
and together they walked to the Bridge House in silence. Though Jack was
anxious to see Dick once more, he had to brace himself for what he knew
would be a trial to both. In one sense, the worst was over. In the
knowledge that Dick was alive, and had forgiven him, he had gained what
nothing could take away--peace of mind. But, on the other hand, he could
not but feel sorrow and self-reproach for the grief and loss he had
brought upon Dick's parents. He realised that they also had much to
forgive. It seemed, indeed, almost worse to face them than to look at
patient, suffering Dick. He had been so ready to pardon; would they be
as willing? Jack knew instinctively how his question would be answered
when he saw Peet coming towards them across the drawbridge.

'We wish to speak to you, Peet,' said Lord Lynwood, quietly.

'I know what ye want to say, my Lord,' returned Peet, gloomily, and
taking care not to glance towards Jack. 'My Lady had me up this morning
and told me.'

'In injuring your son I have injured you, Mr. Peet,' said Jack, coming
forward, and speaking in an earnest voice. 'I do not know how to ask
your forgiveness; but, if your son could express himself, he would tell
you how deeply my sin has been repented, and what years of misery it has
brought on my mother and me. Unhappily, I cannot undo the deed; neither
can I give you back the lost years---- '

'You can do nothing, and I want nothing, thank you,' replied Peet,
without looking up.

'Your son has forgiven all he has suffered,' began the Earl.

'Beg pardon, my Lord,' returned Peet, drawing himself up; 'but I'm
making no complaint. I have not said a word for or against him. If my
son likes to forgive him, he can do as he chooses--his acts are no rule
for my wife nor me.'

'So you have spoken to your wife?' said the Earl, in a tone of regret,
as Jack moved away.

'I know my Lady was against it, but my wife has been a good wife to me,
and I never keep things from her.'

'And what did you wife say?'

'Well, my Lord,' replied Peet, with a little less confidence in his
tone, yet with the stubborn look still in his face, 'she was upset, of
course, and cried a bit, as women mostly do. But when Dick, who has not
spoke for this many a year, looks up, and says he, "Mother, don't bear
malice--for my sake forgive him;" why, she gave in at once. I am sure
that it was from sheer astonishment at Dick's speaking so clear. S