fested no surprise at
sight of the lady and gentleman at such an hour. Mr. Home took his
wife's hand, and the servant led them straight to his master's study.

"I have told her the story," said Mr. Home; "she is your father's child,
she comes to----" Here the clergyman paused and looked at his wife, he
wanted the word "forgive" to come from her own lips. Mrs. Home had grown
white to her very lips. Now instead of replying, she fell upon her knees
and covered her face.

"Charlotte," said Mr. Harman, "can you do what this clergyman wants? Can
you forgive the sin?" There was no answer; Mrs. Home was sobbing aloud.
"I have robbed you, I have robbed you most cruelly. My dying father
asked me to be good to you; I have been worse than cruel. You see before
you an old, old man, as great a sinner as can be found on God's earth.
Can you forgive me? Dare I ask it? At last, at last I make full
reparation; I repent me, in dust and ashes; I repent, and I restore all
fourfold." But here Charlotte Home had risen suddenly to her feet. She
came up close to Mr. Harman, and taking his hand raised it to her lips.

"My husband has told me all. I, I quite forgive you," she said.

Mr. Harman glanced at the clergyman. "Your husband?" he said.

"Yes; she is my wife," answered Mr. Home. "Sir, you heard my wife say
that she quite forgives. You may go to rest to-night, with a very
peaceful heart; the peace of God which passes all understanding may
encompass your pillow to-night. It is late and you have gone through
much, may I go with you to your room? There will be many explanations
yet to make; but though a clergyman, I am also in some measure a
physician. I see you can go through no more emotion to-night, rest
satisfied that all explanations can wait till to-morrow."

"I will go with you," answered Mr. Harman, "but may I first thank your
wife?" Charlotte Home's bonnet had fallen off as she knelt on the floor,
now suddenly a withered and trembling hand was placed on her head. "God
bless you! Even from a sinner like me, such words from a full heart must
be heard."

"Ay," said Mr. Home, in a loud, exultant voice, "the Prince of peace and
forgiveness has come into this house to-night."

CHAPTER LIV.

CHARLOTTE'S ROOM.

Mr. Home and Mr. Harman went away together, and Charlotte was left alone
in the study. By the profound stillness which now reigned in the house
she guessed that every one had gone to bed. The servant who had admitted