'I wished to see you with my own eyes, and to hear you with my own ears, once more before--' There he stopped.
'Before when?
Before what ?' said Florence, putting her hand upon his arm.
'Did I say "before ?"' replied old Sol.

'If I did, I must have meant before we should have news of my dear boy.' 'You are not well,' said Florence, tenderly.

'You have been so very anxious I am sure you are not well.' 'I am as well,' returned the old man, shutting up his right hand, and holding it out to show her: 'as well and firm as any man at my time of life can hope to be.

See! It's steady.

Is its master not as capable of resolution and fortitude as many a younger man?
I think so.