I am in no humour for trifling."
'"Ay, seeing is believing," said the old man, sullenly. "As your
reverence knows the worst, it is of no use hiding the details. I saw
Master George take the money."
'The Doctor groaned in anguish of spirit.
'"How--when--where did you see him do it? May you not have been
mistaken?"
'"Impossible, sir. I would not advance a thing of this nature without I
had positive proof. I repeat to you again, on my word of honour, on the
faith of a Christian, that I saw him do it. What more do you require?"
'"It is enough," sighed the miserable father, covering his face with
his hands. "George, George! my son, my only son; have I deserved this
at your hands? The trial is too great for flesh and blood to bear. O my
God! my just and righteous God! Thou hast shattered my idol of clay to
pieces, and my heart lies broken and trampled in the dust. Ralph, tell
the wretched boy to come to me directly."
'The old man hesitated. "Not while you are in this excited state, my
dear master. Wait a while, until your passion calms down; it is apt to
betray you into sin. I implore you to deal leniently with the lad.
Remember it is his first offence. He may repent, and you may save your
son."
'"Yes; if I could believe that it was his first offence. The same thing
happened at Christmas. He has become hardened in successful villany.
The crime is not against me alone; it is against the Church, and must
be punished accordingly.
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