Part 31 (1/2)
”It has been a very unfortunate mistake,” said Mr Oswald, at last.
”All's well that ends well,” said his son lightly.
”I am very sorry that you should have been made unhappy about it, David.
I might have known that _you_ were not to blame, but there seemed to be no one else. I beg your pardon sincerely,” said Mr Oswald.
”I am very glad it is all right, sir,” said David, quietly.
”I should like to know one thing,” said Philip. ”How came Frank to write to me? He must have thought I was the thief--the young rascal.
Did you think so, Davie?”
”No,” said David, ”I never thought you took it. I don't know what Frank thought. I never spoke to him about it, nor to any one,” added David, after a moment's hesitation.
”Well! never mind. I'll sift that matter by and by. Come up to the house with me, Davie. I am very sorry for all the pain you have had about this business. Come home with me to-night.”
”No; I am going home by myself. I have a headache. You were not to blame.”
”Yes, he was to blame,” said Mr Oswald. ”It was a very unbusiness-like way of doing things, and it might have ended badly for all concerned.”
”It has been bad enough all through for David Inglis. Mr Philip, if you wish to make amends to him, you should offer to take his place and let him go to the country to amuse himself with the rest for a few days.”
Philip opened his eyes.
”I am afraid I could not fill David's place in the office,” said he.
”I am afraid of that, too. But you would be better than n.o.body, and we would have patience with you. And David must go for awhile, whether you take his place or no.”
”Yes,” a.s.sented Mr Oswald, rather absently. ”He might as well have a holiday now as any time. And, Philip, I expect you to take your own place in the office after this regularly.”
Philip shrugged his shoulders, when his father was not looking to see.
”I'll give it a trial,” said he.
”And can I go to-morrow, Mr Caldwell?” said David. ”I have no preparations to make, and I should like to take them by surprise.”
”By all means. I should like to go with you and see it,” said Philip.
”But, I suppose, that would hardly do--just at present.”
David bade them good-night, and went down the street with Mr Caldwell.
”I am much obliged to you, sir. I am very glad to get away from the office for awhile, to say nothing of going to Gourlay and seeing them all.”
David's eyes sparkled at the thought.
”Well! You have borne your trouble not so ill,” said Mr Caldwell; ”and you may tell your mother I said so.”
David laughed; but he looked grave in a moment.
”I don't think you would say I bore it well, if you knew all the angry thoughts I had. But I am very glad and thankful now, and I am sure mamma will thank you for all your kindness. I know now you never thought me capable of doing so wrong a thing.”