But suddenly the mist closed in again upon the scene, a depth of darkness passed his eyes, and he heard a voice say: "Speak--speak to me!" He heard her voice as distinctly as though she were beside him--as, indeed, she had stood before him but an instant ago.
Getting slowly to his feet, into the night he sent an answer to the call.
Would she hear?
She had said long ago that she would speak to him so.
Perhaps she had tried before.

But now at last he had heard and answered.
Had she heard?
Time might tell--if ever they met again.

But how good, and quiet, and serene was the night! He composed himself to sleep, but, as he lay waiting for that coverlet of forgetfulness to be drawn over him, he heard the sound of bells soft and clear.

Just such bells he had heard upon the common at Hamley.

Was it, then, the outcome of his vision--a sweet hallucination?
He leaned upon his elbow and listened..