The outcome was a keen sense of happy self-approval.

When he had dressed for dinner, feeling pretty sore all over, he found Leila waiting at the head of the stairs.
"John Penhallow, you threw your cap on the roof and went up to get it, you did." "I did, Leila, but how did you know ?" She smiled and replied, "I--I don't know, John.

I am sorry for what I said, and oh! John, Uncle Jim, he was pleased!" "Do you think so ?" "Yes." She caught his hand and at the last landing let it fall.

At dinner, the Squire asked kindly: "Are you all right, my boy ?" "Yes, sir," and that was all.
Mark Rivers, who had heard of this incident from Mrs.Penhallow, and at last from Leila, was alone in a position to comprehend the motives which combined to bring about an act of rashness.

The rector had some sympathy with the boy and liked him for choosing a time when no one was present to witness his trial of himself.