After a while he grew calmer, and said in a
whisper: "Mother, pray for me--pray with me, that I may bear this cross
with Christian fortitude, and be taught to forgive my enemies--yes, as
He, the dear Master, forgave them," he continued, reverently folding
his hands together, "and gave His life for sinners like me, and died,
the just for the unjust."
'They prayed long and earnestly, that sorrowful mother and son. At
length a light broke over the pallid countenance of the youth; he
raised his head slowly and with difficulty from that dear mother's
supporting arms, and gazed into her tearful eyes with a look of
unutterable love. "Mother, blessed mother," he whispered, "the agony is
over; I feel calm and happy now. Our prayers are accepted; the divine
peace which Christ bestowed upon His disciples, His last, best gift, is
filling my heart, and the anger I felt at my dear father's unjust
suspicions is lost in pity and love. My sorrows are over; his, alas!
are to come. To you, dearest mother, I leave the task of
reconciliation. You will vindicate my memory, and teach him to respect
me in death. And that miserable old man--tell him to deal gently with
him for my sake. Tell him that I forgive him, that he must forgive him
also, and lead the sinner back to God." He paused, and panted for
breath. "George," cried the terrified mother, "you are ill; let me send
for Dr. Aldis, and call your father."
'"Too late! who can heal a broken heart? It will soon be over.
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