At length he sighed heavily, and taking his crutches, came up to the table where she sat.
"Suppose you tell my mother I am sorry I was disrespectful."
"Felix, are you really sorry?"
"Yes."
"Well, then go and tell her so, and she will love you a thousand times more than ever before. The confession should come from your own lips."
He stood irresolute and sighed again: "I will go if you will go with me."
She rose and they went to Mrs. Andrew's room. The mother was superbly dressed in visiting costume, and was tying on her bonnet when they entered.
"Mrs. Andrews, your son wishes to say something which I think you will be glad to hear."
"Indeed! Well, Felix, what is it?"
"Mamma--I believe--I know I was very cross--and disrespectful to you--and oh, mamma! I hope you will forgive me!"
He dropped his crutches and stretched out his arms, and Mrs. Andrews threw down the diamond cluster, with which she was fastening her ribbons, and caught the boy to her bosom.
"My precious child! my darling! Of course I forgive you gladly. My dear son, if you only knew half how well I love you, you would not grieve me so often by your passionate temper. My darling!--"
She stooped to kiss him, and when she turned to look for the girlish form of the governess, it was no longer visible; mother and son were alone.