"To my sorrow I do," she replied, shaking her head.
"I have heard that you had a son."
"He is gone—why do you ask?"
"Gone?"
"He is dead," said she, sadly.
"Are you sure?"
"For a long time I would not believe it."
"I think it is a mistake."
Her chest heaved with emotion, and the tears flowed down her pale cheek. She gazed at me a moment, and then threw her arms around my neck.
"You are my son—I know you are!" sobbed she.