The woman begins to tremble. The look of frightened wonder upon her face gives way to one of astonishment.
"It is no illusion! Alive! Oh, what does this mean? Where am I? Who are you?"
Thus the broken sentences fell from her lips, as though she hardly knows what she says.
John can only think of one reply, and as he puts out his hands, his whole heart is contained in the whispered words:
"Oh, my mother!"
This seems to break the spell. In another instant she has eagerly clasped her arms around his neck.
"Heaven be praised; my prayer is answered. My child has sought me out."
It is the magic power of love.
John's face tells his great joy. Words are denied them for some little time, but with brimming eyes they gaze into each other's face.
"Oh! mother, I have searched for you in many lands. For years I have longed to see you, to tell you that my heart believed in you. By the kindness of Heaven, that time has come."