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The hearthrugs were empty

LaFarge sighed "I' old," he said

He went out to walk to the canal to fetch a bucket of clear water to wash in At the front door he al in a bucket already filled to the bri, Father!"

"Morning To boy, barefooted, hurried across the roo "It's a fine day!"

"Yes, it is," said the oldwas unusual He began to wash his face with the water

The old et here? You're alive?"

"Shouldn't I be?" The boy glanced up

"But, Toe had to sit down The boy came and stood before hiers, warm and firm "You're really here, it's not a dream?"

"You do want me to be here, don't you?" The boy seemed worried

"Yes, yes, Tom!"

"Then why ask questions? Accept me!"

"But your mother; the shock"

"Don't worry about her During the night I sang to both of you, and you'll accept me more because of it, especially her I knohat the shock is Wait till she co his head of coppery, curled hair His eyes were very blue and clear

"Goodher hair up into a bun "Isn't it a fine day?"

Toh in his father's face "You see?"