Is it any less difficult to judge of a good man or of a half-good man, than of the worst criminal at the bar? And may not each have relevant excuses?'
'Ah, but we do not talk of punishing the good,' cried Archie.
'No, we do not talk of it,' said Glenalmond. 'But I think we do it. Your father, for instance.'
'You think I have punished him?' cried Archie.
Lord Glenalmond bowed his head.
'I think I have,' said Archie. 'And the worst is, I think he feels it! How much, who can tell, with such a being? But I think he does.'
'And I am sure of it,' said Glenalmond.
'Has he spoken to you, then?' cried Archie.
'O no,' replied the judge.
'I tell you honestly,' said Archie, 'I want to make it up to him. I will go, I have already pledged myself to go to Her-
91
