Louis was almost behind him, and in some terror presented himself; though he was unconscious of any misdemeanor, he did not know what new suspicion might have attached to him.

His gentle "Here, sir," was distinctly heard in every part of the large room, in the breathless silence which now ruled.

Dr.Wilkinson looked on him, but there was no anger in his gaze--his eyes glistened, and though there might be indignation mixed with the many emotions struggling for expression in his countenance, Louis felt, as he raised his timid eyes, that there was nothing now to fear.

The doctor seemed incapable of speaking; after one or two vain efforts he placed both hands on Louis' head, and uttered a deep "God bless you!" It would be impossible to describe the flood of rapture which this action poured upon poor Louis.

The endurance of the last few weeks was amply repaid by the consciousness that somehow--and he did not consider how--his innocence was established, and now, in the presence of his school-fellows, publicly acknowledged.
For another minute Dr.Wilkinson stood with both hands resting on the head of his gentle pupil, then, removing one, he placed it under Louis' chin, and turned the glowing face up to himself and smiled--such a smile none remembered ever to have seen on that stern face.
"Have you found all out, sir ?" cried Reginald, starting forward.
The doctor's hand motioned him back, and turning Louis round, so as to face the school, he said in a distinct, yet excited manner, "Young gentlemen, we have been doing a wrong unconsciously, and I, as one of the first, am anxious to make to the subject of it the only reparation in my power, by declaring to you all that Louis Mortimer is entirely innocent of the offence with which he was charged; and I am sure I may say in the name of you all, as well as of myself, that we are very sorry that he should have suffered so much on account of it." [Illustration: Dr.Wilkinson proclaims Louis innocent.] There was a hum all around, and many of the lower school who knew nothing of the matter, began whispering among themselves.