You need
not shrink from seeing us; we shall not reproach you. We will then
decide about your future.
"At present our impression is that you will find a fairer start
probably in Australia or New Zealand than here, and I am prepared to
find you L75 or even if necessary so far as L100 to pay your passage
money. Once in the colony you must be dependent upon your own
exertions.
"May Heaven prosper them and you, and restore you to us years
hence a respected member of society. -Your affectionate father,
"T. PONTIFEX."
Then there was a postscript in Christina's writing.
"My darling, darling boy, pray with me daily and hourly that we
may yet again become a happy, united, God-fearing family as we were
before this horrible pain fell upon us.- Your sorrowing but ever
loving mother,
"C. P."
This letter did not produce the effect on Ernest that it would
have done before his imprisonment began. His father and mother thought
they could take him up as they had left him off They forgot the
rapidity with which development follows misfortune, if the sufferer is
young and of a sound temperament.
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