You know all that you did before you were sent to that ignoble prison.

Will you swear to me before your father's shade, and in presence of God who sees all, that you have done no dishonorable act; that your debts are the result of youthful folly, and that your honor is untarnished?
If your blameless father were there, sitting in that armchair, and asking an explanation of your conduct, could he embrace you after having heard it ?" "Yes, mother," replied the young man, with grave respect.
She opened her arms and pressed him to her heart, shedding a few tears.
"Let us forget it all, my son," she said; "it is only a little less money.

I shall pray God to let us recover it.

As you are indeed worthy of your name, kiss me--for I have suffered much." "I swear, mother," he said, laying his hand upon the bed, "to give you no further unhappiness of that kind, and to do all I can to repair these first faults." "Come and breakfast, my child," she said, turning to leave the room..