fancies this afternoon, suggested by those rocks which break the
brook's steady course. There have been three such breaks in my life,
and of them I have been thinking."

"I believe I know of two, daddy," Jean replied, as her father paused.
"One was dear mother's death, and another the terrible war. But I do
not remember the third."

"I told you once, dear, though you have forgotten, which is only
natural. It was the loss of a very dear friend, Thomas Norman."

"Oh, yes, I remember now, daddy. He was the man who suddenly
disappeared, and has never been heard from since."

"The very same, Jean. Next to your mother he was the best friend I had
on earth. We had been boys together, and were inseparable. He was
well educated, and held an important position in the King's service.
When he lost it, as he believed through intrigue and treachery, his
whole life was embittered. He became a changed man, and he brooded
over it so much that I really believe it affected his mind. Anyway, he
suddenly left with his wife and family, and I have never heard from him
since. That was a long time ago when you were a mere child. But I can
never forget him, and the happy years we spent together. What a joy it
would be to have him here with me now as in the days of old. But that
cannot be. As that brook flows on, notwithstanding the break in its
course, so must my life. However, I have much to be thankful for. I
have you, dear, and you are a great comfort. If anything should happen
to you, I do not believe I could endure life any longer."

"Don't you worry about losing me, daddy," the girl assured. "I am