When He had washed and made ready He found them assembled in the best room of the house. The lamps were lit, the curtains drawn; within was peace. But through the window came the voices of the people in the street. Mr. Kinloch did his utmost to entertain his guest with conversation.
'These are my three daughters, as you have probably supposed. Their mother is dead.'
'I know their mother.'
'You knew her? Indeed! When and where? It must have been before she was married, because I don't seem to recognise your face.'
'I knew her before she was married, and after, and I know her now.'
'Now? My dear sir, she's dead!'
'Such as she do not die.'
Mr. Kinloch stared. The girl Ada touched him on the arm:
'Mother is in heaven; do you not understand?' She went with her sisters and stood before Him. 'It is so good to look upon Your face.'
'You have seen it from of old.'