All in a garden fair; the simple story of three boys ... - University Library

302 ALI, IN A GARDEN FAIR.
' Mother/ siiid her son, ' tliat is already
retrieved ; it was never lost. Xot a man who
knew my father but knows that he had nothing
to do with his partner's evil practices. Yon
wish me to wipe out a disgrace which never
took place. What has been done cannot be
undone ; let us cease to make it worse by
supposing the worst.'
' But he was bankrupt, Allen, and he
committed
'
' I know, I know. Yet there was no dis-
grace. Mother, I have my own name to
think of, more even than the honourable
name of my father. I must think of that
first.'
* Surely, Allen, surely.' She began to
tremble, lx?cause her son looked so determined.
Wliat did he mean ? What was he going to
say ? ' Your success will be your own, my son
and yet—oh !—doubt not that your dead fatlicr
will rejoice in it.'
* Yes, mother, if I succeed. But if I do, it
will not be '—he laid his hand on hers and