What does the term “recompense” most likely mean, as used in line 8

sam knew that staying up late on a weeknight would effect his exam performance the next day. however, he believed that his friends would be mad at him if he didn't join them. peer pressure and the thought of losing his friends scared sam. he planned to meet them for a couple of hours and then leave early to study for the exam.

i decided to stay late in the laboratory to continue my experiment with the lightbulb. at midnight, thomas edison opened the door and saw all the stuff he was working on. the lightbulb, film and the transmitter. as he walks in an idea hits him on how the lightbulb would work. he would have to change a few wires around to get it to light up. when he did change the wires around it worked so he decided to write a telegraph to his friend to tell him about his success.   as he was packing up he grabbed the telegraph and walked to his home. he told his wife about the success and the next morning mailed the telegraph.