To have him return, as he did, without even a foreshadowing sign of his coming, was an event that completely broke down his feelings.

Moreover, he was touched by the spirit in which his son came back; a spirit of practical forgiveness; the first act flowing from which was the conference of a great benefit.
"There was good in the boy," sighed the old man, as he mused on what had just occurred.

"Alas! that it should have been so long overshadowed.

A milder course might have done better.

Ah, me! we are weak and shortsighted mortals." Mr.Howland remained in his store until the late mails were distributed at the post-office, when, unexpectedly, a letter came from Edward.