His fickle mind, his shallow principle, gave way.

Stifling his convictions of duty, and silencing the "still small voice," he went home: and there was no joy in heaven over the returning prodigal.
"Charles," said his father, sternly, as he entered the house, "you were not at school yesterday!" "I got late, and did not like to go," whined he.
"Where were you ?" "Down at the village." "Go to your room, and don't leave it without permission." Charles obeyed.

The consequences of his error were already beginning to overtake him.

His father joined him soon after, and talked to him very severely.

He was really alarmed, for Captain Sedley had given him a hint concerning his son's intimacy with Tim Bunker.
Charles was not permitted to leave his room that afternoon, and his supper was sent up to him; but his mother brought it, and consoled him in his troubles--promising to prevent his father from punishing him any more.
"Now, go to bed, Charley; never do so again, and it will be all right to-morrow," said the weak mother, as she took her leave.
But Charles did not go to bed.