"No, Charles, that I will never do; I had rather suffer the severest punishment that could be inflicted upon me, than tell a _lie_. Nothing shall induce me to add to the fault I have already committed. When my father comes home, I will confess what I have done, and rely upon his indulgence for pardoning a disobedience I so sincerely repent."
"Well then," said Charles, "if you will not follow my advice, at least you have no occasion to say it was I who persuaded you to take out the horses."--"I shall not even mention your name: but come, let us waste no more time, in regretting an action that cannot be recalled, we had better try by our future conduct, to make some reparation for the past."--So saying, he took his cousin by the arm, and they were together leaving the room, when Mr. Elliot entered. The young lads drew back in dismay; Mr. Elliot ran to embrace his son. "You see me here, my dear boy, sooner than you expected; but fortunately the business that called me hence, was concluded much earlier than I could have imagined." Some few minutes had elapsed, before George could gain courage to answer his father, at length he said, "you are convinced, my dear sir, that your company has always given me pleasure, but to day it causes me pain, for I have just been guilty of a fault that will I fear deprive me of your confidence." George here related to his father, all that had passed, except carefully concealing the part his cousin had acted; when he had finished, Mr. Elliot thus addressed him, "I am charmed with your noble conduct, my dear boy, and most willingly forgive the error you have committed, because I believe your repentance to be sincere, and am convinced you have told me the exact truth. Listen, now, to the consequences that would have ensued, had you concealed it: I was in the adjoining apartment, and heard the whole conversation that passed between yourself and Charles; so, had you, as he wickedly advised, had recourse to a falsehood, it would not have deceived _me_, but only have proved that _you_ were unworthy my care and affection: whereas, I now rejoice in the virtuous resolution of a son thus rendered dearer to me than ever. Always speak the _truth_, and be assured it is the easiest and surest way of extricating yourself from every difficulty.--As for you, Sir," continued Mr. Elliot turning to Charles, "I shall not take the trouble of punishing the meanness and depravity of your conduct, because I fear that any punishment I could inflict, would have little effect on a _liar_: I shall immediately send you back to your parents, with an account of this day's transactions, at the same time advising them to find some place far distant from all who belong to you, and where, under a severe discipline, you may be made to repent of your wickedness, and I hope in time recalled to that virtuous conduct from which you have now so miserably erred."