e Somers, after
a moment's hesitation, went up to the old man and offered his hand.

Rhoneland hesitated, for he experienced the reluctance which old age
always evinces to succumb to those younger in years; and it was not very
pleasant to admit that his conduct toward Ned had been wrong. But there
was something in the expression of Ned's face, and even in the way in
which he offered his hand, which showed that the past was forgiven; and
beside that, what had already happened could not be mended by holding out;
so Jacob grasped his hand, and said frankly:

'Ned, my young friend, I wronged thee sadly. I hope you will pardon it.'

'That's right, Jacob! Spoken like a whole-hearted old fellow, as you are!'
exclaimed Harson, patting him on the shoulder. 'To be sure he will forgive
you, and thank you for the chance. If he doesn't he's not what I take him
to be. Don't you pardon him?' demanded he, turning to Somers, and at the
same time casting a quizzical look in the direction of Kate.

Ned laughed; said something about pardon being unnecessary, where no
offence had been taken; and then commenced talking about indifferent
matters.

Presently Holmes came in; and after him Grosket; and one or two cronies of
Harson's; and then the little girl; so that the room became quite full.
The boy too, aroused by the noise of talking, awoke; stared wildly around
him, and though a boy of genteel lineage, evinced a great distaste to
mingling in society; and fought manfully to retain his position in the
corner, when Harson attempted to lead him out. His sister endeavored, in
an undertone, to impress upon him the propriety of adapting his manners to
the change in his situation; but it must be confessed that her success was
but indifferent; and it is a matter of some doubt whether he would ever
have emerged, had not a tall, awkward boy, (a second cousin of the
housekeeper, and apprenticed to a tailor,) who had been borrowed to
officiate as waiter on this eventful occasion, thrust his head in the door
and remarked, 'Cousin Martha says you may come to dinner just as quick as
you like,' and forthwith disappeared, slamming the door after him, and
clattering across the entry as if shod with paving-stones.

This aroused the company; and this too emboldened the small boy, who being
restrained by his sister from rushing in the room before any one else,
nevertheless crowded in, and secured a seat at the table, opposite the
best dish.

What a sight