les. The sum of money was borrowed in a time of
sore anguish, and I will not bring his grey hairs to the grave
in added sorrow by demanding payment. This for my son, if ever
he returns. And by my will my executors are bound to keep this
small estate intact for two years after my decease, and then,
should my son make no sign, let it be put into the market,
with all my goods and chattels, and the money divided amongst
certain poor folk and charities named in my last will and
testament.'

(Signed) 'CHARLES BAYFIELD.'

A profound silence reigned as Bryda read the rather illegible writing of
the old Squire. When she had finished she looked up, and, with a deep
sigh, said simply,--

'I am thankful for grandfather! Oh! if we had known this sooner!'

A spasm of pain passed over Mr Bayfield's face.

'Yes,' he said, 'and there rests my sin against you. This paper, dated
only a few months before my father's death, was in this pocket-book, the
other paper in the deed box, of which his executors took possession. No
one knew of this paper but me. I kept it back, granting the reprieve for
your sweet sake. If I had obtained possession of you I might have told
you of it--I do not know. I cannot answer for myself--my old self,' he
repeated. 'God forgive me, I am punished. Can _you_ forgive me?'

Then he paused again, silent, and Bryda to her latest day remembered how
in that profound stillness a thrush outside, in the glory of the summer
noontide, broke out into song, and ceasing, the deep sob of an oppressed
heart seemed to touch the two extremes of joy and grief, these
constantly recurring contrasts in this beautiful world, given to us by a
loving Father, richly to enjoy, and where sin is ever sounding its
strain of sorrow, and often of despair.

All the true woman awoke now in Bryda's heart. She knelt down by the
couch, and taking the Squire's hand in both hers, bent her face upon it,
and whispered,--

'Yes, I forgive you. I am so sorry,' and in a lower whisper still,
'Please forgive poor Jack; he is gone far away. I shall never, never see
him again, and it was all because he loved me. Please forgive him.'

'For _your_ sake, yes,' was the reply, 'for your sake, and pray for me
as I lie here alone. Your sister has tried to make me a better man. She
was as an angel of God sent to drive out the evil spirits in me. My
mother!--ah! my mother used to pray for me--and in this very room _