"Good-evening," said the doctor as they met presently face to face; "how goes it with thee, William? I suppose thy son is off with all the rest of the lads this morning."
"Yes, doctor."
"It has been a hard day for thee, no doubt."
"Yes, hard enough; though, the good God pardon me, I nearly lost sight of the poor lad, watching the girl up at the window yonder throwing the violets to her father. It was enough to make one's heartstrings crack."
"She reminds thee of thy little Margaret, no doubt," said the doctor kindly. "I have seen the likeness; and I have also seen the joy which thy kind heart has procured for her this afternoon, at perhaps the most critical moment of her life."
"God be praised!" said the policeman earnestly. "Can she, will she live, do you think, until he returns?"
"Heaven only knows," replied the doctor as he nodded his farewell. "It is well for those good friends who are already at rest."