“Here! Oh! mother! mother!” suddenly exclaimed a choking voice; and Ralph suddenly rushed forward, threw himself at his mother’s feet, and hid his tearful face in her lap. She raised his head and drew it to her bosom, put back the heavy black locks from his brow, and gazed earnestly into his flushed face. Then suddenly her mother’s heart spoke, and she cried, in tenderest accents: “Oh, my boy! oh, my boy! can it be? Yes, it must be; my heart tells me that you are my child—my long-lost deserted boy!” She rained kisses upon his brow, cheeks, and lips, while her own fast-dropping tears mingled with his. Alfred Ellerton regarded them with looks at once fond and proud, stern and sorrowful, until at length he said: “Has my son no word for his father?” Ralph rose to his feet at once, while the hot blood mounted to his brow. He realized that his father knew what he was—that all his plots and evil deeds were known to him; and he stood sad and humble before him, his heart nearly bursting with shame and sorrow for what he had done—also with joy and gratitude that he had found a father and a mother, and that there was no longer a doubtful stain upon his name. He raised his eyes, and met the sorrowful gaze of his parent, and stretching out his hands, as if beseeching his love and forgiveness, he uttered the one word: “Father!” “My son!” Their hands clasped, and father and son wept tears which were an honor to their manhood, and the sight of which caused other eyes to fill. CHAPTER XXXIV. FORGIVENESS. It was several minutes ere the reunited family could compose themselves. But at length Alfred Ellerton conquered in a measure his emotion, and said: “I thank Heaven for these unexpected and unmerited blessings. It is more than I ever hoped for, to have both wife and child restored to me at once. But, my son, we will now listen to your mother’s story, after which we will hear what you may have to tell us. I know my dear ones have seen much of suffering, but I trust all is over now, and that the future has only blessings in store for us.” Ralph turned again to his mother, seated himself by her side, and took her delicate hand in his. She smiled a sweet, fond smile at the caressing touch, and clasped her other hand over it, then turning to her husband, began her tale: “My life has been a dreary one indeed! When I returned to our home, Alfred, and found your letter, or what I supposed to be yours, and also that the only proof of our marriage was missing, I could not do otherwise than believe you false and heartless, as your cruel words indicated. “I believe I was deranged for awhile, for I remembered nothing for several days after. Finally, I went to my brother Ralph, and questioned him.