I am unwilling, however, to have recourse to a measure which
would deprive you of your last connecting link with respectable
people. Your mother and I will see you as soon as you come out of
prison; not at Battersby--we do not wish you to come down here at
present--but somewhere else, probably in London. You need not shrink
from seeing us; we shall not reproach you. We will then decide about
your future.
"At present our impression is that you will find a fairer start
probably in Australia or New Zealand than here, and I am prepared to
find you 75 or even if necessary so far as 100 pounds to pay your
passage money. Once in the colony you must be dependent upon your own
exertions.
"May Heaven prosper them and you, and restore you to us years hence a
respected member of society.--Your affectionate father, T. PONTIFEX."
Then there was a postscript in Christina's writing.
"My darling, darling boy, pray with me daily and hourly that we may
yet again become a happy, united, God-fearing family as we were before
this horrible pain fell upon us.--Your sorrowing but ever loving
mother, C. P.
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