The constable said he must have Sir Charles's authority for that.
A message was sent to Sir Charles. He came. The prisoner was released,
and Mary Meyrick took his arm sharply, as much as to say, "Out of my
hands you go no more."
Before they left the room, Sir Charles, who was now master of himself,
said, with deep feeling, "My poor boy, you can never be a stranger to
me. The affection of years cannot be untied in a moment. You see now
how folly glides into crime, and crime into punishment. Take this to
heart, and never again stray from the paths of honor. Lead an honorable
life; and, if you do, write to me as if I was still your father."
They retired, but Richard Bassett lingered, and hung his head.
Sir Charles wondered what this inveterate foe could have to say now.
At last Richard said, half sullenly, yet with a touch of compunction,
"Sir Charles, you have been more generous than I was. You have laid me
under an obligation."
Sir Charles bowed loftily.
"You would double that obligation if you would prevail on Lady Bassett
to keep that old folly of mine secret from my wife and daughter. I am
truly ashamed of it; and, whatever my faults may have been, they love
and respect me."
"Mr. Bassett," said Sir Charles, "my son Compton must be told that he
is my heir; but no details injurious to you shall transpire: you may
count on absolute secrecy from Lady Bassett and myself.
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