Then we shall be deprived of the pleasure of your company, for we promised to be home early, and our design was to call and inform my mother that we intend to sup with your father. CHARLES. Can you inform me, Sir, where Mr. H—— lives; I have a small bill drawn on him by a Mr. S——: I received it from the landlord. Landbergen looked pale at this question, and without seeming to hear him, started up and looked out of the window. LANDBERGEN. I fear we shall have heavy rain this evening. CHARLES. I do not think so, the sky looks very clear. He then took the bill out of his pocket-book, casting a look at the same time full of humanity at Landbergen. The culprit’s confusion was now very great, the bill he instantly knew, and every limb shook at the sight. Your brother offered him a glass of wine, but he let it fall, and was going hastily to leave the room. Charles, who was now fully convinced of his guilt, caught him by the hand in a friendly manner. No, Sir, you must not leave us, the sight of this bill seems to have raised a strange perturbation in your mind. Open your heart to me, I respect your father, and wish to esteem you. LANDBERGEN. I can say nothing, Sir, I will write to you in the morning. CHARLES. No, Sir, it is imprudent to write what we dare not or will not say. LANDBERGEN. That signature—but I beg you will permit me to go. CHARLES. Shall we tear off the signature? Yes I will on condition you return with me to your father. LANDBERGEN. What generosity! No, Sir, preserve the signature, though not with the hope of payment. I am guilty. I must fly from my country—comfort my father. CHARLES. You fly—you who ask me to comfort your father. No, that single speech makes me your friend. Come with me to your father, and I shall deem myself happy in having met with you. LANDBERGEN. How shall I hide my shame from you? CHARLES. Why should you attempt to hide it? it is the surest sign of goodness to be ashamed of our errors. You consent, then; you will go with us. LANDBERGEN. Yes—you overcome me. I am under the greatest obligations to you; but what shall I say to my father? CHARLES. Your father is good—he loves you. LANDBERGEN. You do not know all, Sir: it is now four days since I left home, and—— No, I cannot, I dare not say more. CHARLES. Be not afraid to open your whole heart to me; repentance expiates every fault; your earthly as well as your heavenly father will forgive you. LANDBERGEN.