But, I had not taken notice of their pleadings, persevering still in evil and shutting my ears to friendly counsels--as I likewise did to the voice of reason speaking in my inner heart.
Now, however, in my misery, I bethought me of these friends.

I went shame-faced and mentally-naked, like the prodigal son, once more to the vicarage.
And how did they receive me?
With the pharisaical philosophy of Miss Spight's school, looking on me as a "goat," with whom they had nothing to do:--"a lost soul," without the pale of their pity and almost below the par of their contempt?
Not so! Dear little Miss Pimpernell got up from her arm-chair in the corner, and kissed me--the first time she had done such a thing since I was a little fellow and had sat upon her knee; while, the vicar shook me as cordially by the hand as he had ever done.
"Dear Frank!" exclaimed the former.

"Here you are at last.

I thought you were never coming to us again!" That was all the allusion _she_ made to the past.
"My boy," said the vicar, "I am glad to see you." That was all _he_ said; but, his speech was not mere empty verbiage.

He meant it! I shall not tell you how they both talked to me: so tenderly, so kindly.
It would not interest you.