Here were his dear father and mother, with Dr.Wilkinson.Reginald had been in the room several minutes; and when Louis entered, was standing by his mother, whose arm was round him, and close behind him stood his father.
"My Louis!" was his mother's affectionate greeting, and the next moment he was in her arms, his own being clasped tightly round her neck, and he could only kiss her in speechless joy, at first; and then, when the kind arms that strained him to her bosom were loosened, there was his dear father, and then words came, and as he looked with flashing eyes and crimsoned cheek, from one to the other, he exclaimed, "Oh, mamma! I have a medal--mamma, it is all come out! Papa, I am innocent; I have a character now! Oh, dear mamma, I said it would--I am quite cleared!" His head sank on his father's shoulder; a strange, dull sound in his head overpowered him; a slight faintness seemed to blow over his face; his eyes were fixed and glassy, and he became unconscious.

Mr.Mortimer changed color, and hastily catching the falling boy, he carried him to the sofa.

Dr.Wilkinson sent Reginald immediately for some water, but before he could return, and almost before Mrs.Mortimer could raise her dear boy's head from the pillow to her shoulder, the color came again, and his eyes resumed their natural expression.
"What was the matter, my darling ?" said his mother, kissing him.
"I don't know, mamma," replied Louis, sitting up.

"I only felt giddy, and something like a little wind in my face." "I think he has been overwrought," said Dr.Wilkinson, kindly; "he has gone through a great deal lately.

We will take him up stairs and let him lie down; I think he wants a little quiet." "I am quite well now," said Louis.
"I will sit by your side; you had better go up stairs, dear," said his mother.
Louis yielded, and Mr.Mortimer assisted him up stairs, despite his declarations that he was quite strong and well, and, being laid on a bed, Mrs.Mortimer stationed herself by his side.
All they said I have not time to relate, but long Louis lay with his mother's hand in both of his, telling her of the events of the last two months, and often she bent her head down and kissed his broad forehead and flushed cheek; and when she would not let him talk any more, he lay very passively, his eyes filling with grateful tears, and now and then in the overflowing of his heart, raising them to his mother, with "Mamma, thank God for me.