"I had one once."
"Why, then you have one now. Once means always. Was she a little girl?"
"Yes."
"Like our angel. I am glad. Now you must come and see mother and father." She rose and took his hand.
"They do not know me, Edith."
"But I know you, and you know me. You must come."
"Yes, I will come. May I take one flower from your cross?"
"Yes."
He selected one and kissed it, and they walked together side by side. The preacher had said, "Take down the shutters which darken heart and soul; admit the light which purifies and sweetens." It was done, and the light was shining in Basil's heart. He clung to the little hand which was clasped in his. In that good hour it was indeed a Divine link which re-united him once more to what was best and noblest. The shadows were dying away. Dark days were before him, strange experiences were to be his, but in the darkest day of the future a star was always to shine. "Annette, Annette, Annette," he whispered. "I will make an endeavour to see you. I will never again lose faith. A weight has gone from my heart."
"Let me kiss the flower where you kissed it," said Edith.