“They try to be strong, little father, they are brave, but they are weak after all, these dear little things! Have you come from far.”
“Very far.”
“Poor young people! It must have hurt you very much when they burnt your eyes!”
“Very much,” answered Michael, turning towards Nicholas as if he could see him.
“Did you not weep?”
“Yes.”
“I should have wept too. To think that one could never again see those one loves. But they can see you, however; that’s perhaps some consolation!”
“Yes, perhaps. Tell me, my friend,” continued Michael, “have you never seen me anywhere before?”
“You, little father? No, never.”
“The sound of your voice is not unknown to me.”