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 On hearing these blessed words, the poor agitated mother grasped Mrs Mason's hand, and burst into a flood of tears. The spectators were little less affected; a considerable time elapsed before the silence that ensued was broken. At length, in faultering accents, the widow asked, whether she might hope to see her son again?

"Is he no' to come hame," said she, "to fill his father's place, and to take possession o' his inheritance? If they have granted this, I will say that they have been mercifu' indeed, but if no"—

"Though they have not granted this," returned the minister, "still they have been merciful, aye most merciful. For your son's offences were aggravated, his life was in their hands, it was most justly forfeited, yet they took pity on him, and spared him, and are you not grateful for this? if you are not, I must tell you, your ingratitude is sinful."

"Oh! you ken na' what it is to hae a bairn!" returned Mrs MacClarty in a