Page:Between Two Loves.djvu/119

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
114
BETWEEN TWO LOVES.

him have it It will do him good. He will hear some plain truths that happen he'll hear nowhere else." Jonathan thought differently. "Gibing at a man's faults never yet helped to cure them. It is better to trust than to mock, thou may depend upon it, Ben," he answered.

For, to do a half-kindness, to give a reproachful forgiveness, to season favor with punishment, these were things Jonathan Burley could not do. He had forgiven Steve, forgiven him freely, and he meant to give him a fair chance in every way. So, in the sight of all, he walked straight to Steve's loom. "I am glad to see thee at thy place again, Steve Benson." He said the words plainly and heartily, and those who could not hear them saw the pleasant look on his face, and saw him put out his hand and give the renegade worker a hearty welcome back.

Undoubtedly Jonathan had a thought of Sarah also in this kind deed. None of our motives ring clear through every depth, and he knew well that any scorn or offence offered to Steve would hurt Steve's sister in a double measure. As he turned from the young man he glanced at Sarah. Her face was radiant.