Such words as I have now
to speak to you are spoken by your father's earnest desire. It is
his own wish that I should communicate to you his confession of
having secretly followed you to the Merchant's Table, and of
having discovered (as you discovered) that no evidence of his
guilt remained there. This admission, he thinks, will be enough
to account for his conduct toward yourself from that time to
this. I have next to tell you (also at your father's desire) that
he has promised in my presence, and now promises again in yours,
sincerity of repentance in this manner: When the persecution of
our religion has ceased--as cease it will, and that speedily, be
assured of it--he solemnly pledges himself henceforth to devote
his life, his strength and what worldly possessions he may have,
or may acquire, to the task of re-erecting and restoring the
road-side crosses which have been sacrilegiously overthrown and
destroyed in his native province, and to doing good, go where he
may. I have now said all that is required of me, and may bid you
farewell--bearing with me the happy remembrance that I have left
a father and son reconciled and restored to each other. May God
bless and prosper you, and those dear to you, Gabriel! May God
accept your father's repentance, and bless him also throughout
his future life!"
He took their hands, pressed them long and warmly, then turned
and walked quickly down the path which led to the beach.
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