: I don't mean to be rough on you, but I have grown
used to holding my tongue during the last few years. What is the use of
raking up bygones? Do you suppose I am so proud of my past life that I
care to talk about it? Why can we not start afresh? You know me for what
I am, the good-for-nothing Mat O'Brien. I know I am no fit companion for
you and Prissy; and if you tell me to go, I will shift my quarters
without a reproachful word. Shall I go, Tom?"

'"No," I said, almost shouting at him, and snapping my pipe in two; "you
will just stay where you are, lad. Do you think I will ever suffer you
to wander off again?" And then, as he looked at me very sadly, I opened
the big Bible we had been reading in that morning, and showed him the
verse that was in my thoughts that moment: "The Lord do so to me, and
more also, if aught but death part me and thee."

'"Do you mean that, Tom?" and his voice was rather choky.

'"Ay, I do," was my answer. And then he gripped my hand without
speaking, and went out of the room, and we did not see him for an hour
or two. And that is about all I have to tell you, Miss Ross.'

'Thank you, old friend,' returned Audrey gently.

And she looked reverently into the thoughtful face beside her. The
rugged, homely features were beautified to her. He was only a small
tradesman, yet what nobleman could show more tender chivalry to the
fallen man who had brought disgrace on his honest name? In her heart
Audrey knew there was no truer gentleman than this simple, kindly Tom
O'Brien.

'There's Mat,' he observed presently; and Audrey roused herself and
looked anxiously at the door.

She was longing, yet dreading, to see this much-loved prodigal.
Priscilla's description of 'a vagrant sort of man' had somewhat alarmed
her, and she feared to see the furtive look and slouching gait that so
often stamp the man who has taken long strides on the downward path.

She was greatly surprised, therefore, when a tall, fine-looking man,
with closely-cropped gray hair and a black moustache, came quickly into
the room. On seeing a young lady he was about to withdraw; but his
brother stopped him.

'Don't go away, lad. This is Miss Ross, the young lady who I told you
was with Susan when she died.'

'And I am very glad to welcome you back, Mr. O'Brien,' observed Audrey
cordially, as she held out her hand.

Mat O'Brien reddened slightly as he took the offered hand with some
reluctance, and then stood aside rather awkwa