What tears were mingled with our embraces! He thought I was returned to him: I related my history, and informed him of my resolution.

He opposed it feebly, mentioning the dangers to which I exposed myself, and telling me the shortest follies were best, but did not attempt to keep me by force, in which particular I think he acted right; but it is certain he did not do everything in his power to detain me, even by fair means.

Whether after the step I had taken, he thought I ought not to return, or was puzzled at my age to know what to do with me--I have since found that he conceived a very unjust opinion of my travelling companion.

My step -- mother, a good woman, a little coaxingly put on an appearance of wishing me to stay to supper; I did not, however, comply, but told them I proposed remaining longer with them on my return; leaving as a deposit my little packet, that had come by water, and would have been an incumbrance, had I taken it with me.

I continued my journey the next morning, well satisfied that I had seen my father, and had taken courage to do my duty.
We arrived without any accident at Fribourg.