"He is now waiting in the garden. I have been telling Mr. Faringfield, ma'am, that the young man is greatly altered. Upon my word, he shows the truest signs of penitence. I believe he is entirely reformed; he says so." "You'd best let him come in, William," counselled Mrs. Faringfield. "If you don't, goodness knows what he may do." "Madam, I resolved long ago to let the law do its utmost upon him, if he should ever return." "Oh, but think what scandal! What will all my relations say? Besides, if he is reformed--" "If he is reformed, let him show it by his conduct on my refusing to take him back; and by suffering the penalty of his crime." "Oh!--penalty! Don't speak such words! A jailbird in the family! I never could endure it! I shouldn't dare go to church, or be seen anywhere in public!" "The same old discussion!" said Mr. Faringfield, with a wearied frown. "Papa, you won't send him to jail, will you?" ventured Fanny, with eyes rapidly moistening, and lips turning to a pout in spite of herself. "Really, sir," put in Cornelius, trembling at his own temerity, "if you could but see him--take my word, sir, if ever there was a case where forgiveness--" After much more of this sort of talk, and being shaken in will by the day's previous excitements, Mr. Faringfield at length gave in so far as to consent to an interview with the penitent, to whom thereupon Cornelius hastened with the news. It was indeed a changed and chastened Ned, to all outward appearance, that entered meekly with the pedagogue a few minutes later. His tread was so soft, his demeanour so tame, that one would scarce have known him but for a second look at his shapely face and burly figure. The face was now somewhat hollowed out, darkened, lined, and blotched; and elongated with meek resignation. His clothes--claret-coloured cloth coat and breeches, flowered waistcoat, silk stockings, lace ruffles, and all--were shabby and stained. He bowed to the company, and then stood, furtively watching for some manifestation from the rest before he dared proceed to warmer greetings. Fanny stepped softly forward and kissed him, in a shy, perfunctory manner; and then good-natured Tom shook his hand, and Philip followed suit; after which Mrs. Faringfield embraced him somewhat stiffly, and I gingerly held his fingers a moment, and my mother hoped he found himself well. "Quite well, I thank you, considering," said he; and then gazed in a half-scared way at his father. All the old defiance had disappeared under the blows of adversity. "Well, sir," said his father, coldly, "we had scarce looked for you back among us." "No, sir," said Ned, still standing. "I had no right to be looked for, sir--no more than the prodigal son had. I'm a bit like him, sir." "Don't count upon the fatted calf, however." "No, sir; not me. Very plain fare will do for me. I--I ask your pardon, sir, for that--that business about Mr. Palmer."