"Yes, and it was so lifelike that I must tell it to you, for I am convinced it is no common warning, but one full of meaning and truth."
They gazed at me blankly, and I went on, fearing to stop an instant lest I should lose my courage:
"I was lying on the sofa opposite Mrs. Haines' portrait--"
"The very place where I lay when last I dreamed," murmured her husband.
"And I saw Bessie and a gentleman hand in hand beneath it, looking up into the sweet face for a blessing; and oh such a heavenly smile lighted it while the beautiful lips seemed to murmur, 'She will marry wisely, dear Thomas!'"
Mr. Haines was so shaken by my words that my heart misgave me. He covered his face with his hands. "She used to call me dear Thomas," he said, and the tears ran through his fingers.
"Then the name was yours" said Uncle Pennyman with weighty consideration. "You remember I said it was capable of a double application: those things are wonderful, and interpret each other. Winnie, my dear girl, could you distinguish this person's face?"
Before I could answer, Mrs. Tanner at the door said, "Here's Mr. Tom, bless his heart! I never can learn to call him anything else."
Tom was so glad to see me! Yes, I may as well tell it, for it told itself: dear Tom never seemed so glad before.
"Was it his face, Winnie?" whispered Mr. Haines.