The prodigal, anguished anew at this repulse, fell weakly back upon the couch with a cry of despair.

The little sister placed a pillow under his head and ran to plead with the mother.

A long time she remained obdurate, but at last relented.

Then she, too, came to fall upon her knees before the wreck who had returned to her.
Not many rehearsals were required for this scene, difficult though it was.

Merton Gill had seized his opportunity.