ity--"

"Both of which are wonderfully changed."

"Yes, my dear, granted, and he does not talk so much about the
workhouse. He was a great deal better, and I could have forgiven this
mad, boyish prank--though what could have influenced him, I don't know."

"I can tell you," said Helen. "A boy's love of adventure. The idea of
going off in a boat to discover some wonderful island where he could
live a Robinson Crusoe kind of life."

"A young donkey!" cried the doctor. "But there, it's all off. I could
have forgiven everything, but the cowardly lying."

"Then, poor fellow, he is forgiven."

"Indeed, no, my dear. He goes back to the Union to-morrow; but I shall
tell Hippetts to apprentice him to some good trade at once, and I will
pay a handsome premium. Confound Hippetts! He'll laugh at me."

"No, he will not, papa."

"Yes, he will, my dear. I know the man."

"But you will not be laughed at."

"Why not?"

"Because you will not send Dexter back."

"Indeed, my dear, but I shall. I am beaten, and I give up."

"But you said you would forgive everything but the deceit and
falsehood."

"Yes, everything."

"There is no deceit and falsehood to forgive."

"What?"

"Dexter has told me everything. The simple truth."

"But he should have told it before, and said he took the boat."

"He told the truth in every respect, papa."

"My dear Helen," said the doctor pettishly, "you are as obstinate as I
am. The lying young dog--"

"Hush, papa, stop!" said Helen gently. "Dexter is quite truthful, I am
sure."

"That is your weak woman's heart pleading for him," said the doctor.
"No, my dear, no; it will not do."

"I am quite certain, papa," said Helen firmly, "that he spoke the
truth."

"How do you know, my dear?"

"Because Dexter told me again and again before he went up to bed."

"And you believe him?"

"Yes, and so will you."

"Wish I could," said the doctor earnestly. "I'd give a hundred pounds
to feel convinced."

"You shall be convinced for less than that, papa," said Helen merrily.
"Give me a kiss for my good news."

"There's the kiss in advance, my dear. Now, where is the news?"

"Here, papa. If Dexter were the hardened boy you try to make him--"

"No, no: gently. He makes himself one."

"--he would have gone up to bed to-night careless and indifferent after
shedding a few fictitious tears--"

"Very likely."

"--and be sleeping heartily by now."

"As he is, I'll be bound