He said very little on the subject of his own feelings; such men are not given to talk of themselves, but the tone of his voice was eloquent, and Ralph winced before it. It was a new experience for the spoilt son and heir to hear any accents but those of love and appreciation from a member of his own family, and the experience was unexpectedly bitter. Who could have believed that the Governor would cut up so rough--could deliver himself of such sledge-hammer judgments? The card debts would be paid, there was no question of that--every debt should be paid--and Ralph should return to college with a clean sheet so far as money was concerned, and with his handsome allowance undiminished--_for the present_. He himself must decide what would happen in the future. The Squire asked for no promises; he had had experience of the uselessness of promises (the listener winced again at the significance of those words); but Ralph must understand that any debts would be subtracted from his own future allowance. He must also understand that he was expected to take his pass the following May. There had been too much shirking and running loose--now he must work for a change. For his parents' sake, his sisters' sake, he must make amends for the pain and shame of the last weeks. It was a painful scene for both father and son, but the charm of manner which was the great secret of Ralph's popularity did not forsake him, even in this hour of humiliation. He made an ideal penitent--abashed, yet manly, subdued and silenced, yet when the right moment came ready with a few apt, quietly spoken words. "Thank you, sir. You are always generous. I've made a beastly poor return. I hope this year may end better than it has begun." Poor Ralph! How little he guessed at that moment all that the year held in store! How little the father dreamed of the altered conditions with which he would face another New Year's Day! But so long as they both lived it was good to remember that the interview had ended peacefully and with a renewed sense of harmony, with a firm hand-grip and an affectionate glance. Ralph took his candle from a table in the hall and made his way quietly up the oak staircase, and his father stood below and watched him go, while his heart waxed tender within him. His son--his only son! He would give his heart's blood for the lad. Had he been just, wise, prudent, in the words which he had said? Had he been stern enough?--too stern? He was in a thousand minds about his own conduct, but in only one as regards Ralph's. The boy had taken his dressing like a man. How handsome he had looked as he stood to listen, not flinching or hanging his head as an ordinary culprit would have done, but drawn to his full height, with straight, fearless gaze. With what a frank air he had held out his hand for that farewell grasp! Bless the boy! his heart was in the right place. He would settle down, and make a fine man yet. Patience! Patience!