"I am afraid not, Martha," the parson returned, as he reached for his
pipe and tobacco lying on a little stand by his side. "It is only his
son which made him interested to-night, and that is as far as it goes."

"It might be the beginning, though, Daniel, who can tell? I always
liked Jimmy. He and Alec got on so well together. Do you know what
day this is?"

"Ay, ay, Martha," and the clergyman's face grew grave, and a slight
mistiness dimmed his eyes. "I haven't forgotten it."

"He would have been twenty-five to-day, Daniel."

"I know it, and it seems only yesterday that I went for old Doctor
Paddock. It was a night something like this, and I was so afraid that
we would not get back in time."

The fire danced cheerily before them, and the clock on the mantel
ticked steadily as the two sat for some time in silence, gazing
thoughtfully upon the blazing sticks.

"I dreamed last night that I saw him," Mrs. Royal at length remarked.
"He was a baby, and had on his little white dress. He looked up into
my face and smiled, just like he used to do. I gave a cry of joy and
put out my arms to take him. At that I awoke, and he disappeared. Oh,
Daniel, we didn't value him enough when we had him--and now he's gone."

"And do you remember, Martha, what plans we made for his future? Our
hopes have been sadly shattered."