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I know perfectly well that if you had been restored to her from

the world beyond this life, you could hardly be invested, in her

sight, with a more sacred character than that in which you are

always with her. I know that when she is clinging to you, the

hands of baby, girl, and woman, all in one, are round your neck.

I know that in loving you she sees and loves her mother at her

own age, sees and loves you at my age, loves her mother

broken-hearted, loves you through your dreadful trial and in your

blessed restoration. I have known this, night and day, since I

have known you in your home."

Her father sat silent, with his face bent down. His breathing was

a little quickened; but he repressed all other signs of

agitation.