It was as though Heaven had opened to them, and given them back the child of their younger years.
The deacon dropped down on his knees.

One arm went around his aged wife and the little fellow she cuddled in her lap.

In sonorous tones he lifted up his voice and gave thanks from the depths of his heart for the great mercy shown to them that night.
Hugh was deeply affected.

He believed some invisible hand must have guided him when he took that sudden notion to have the child go walking with him, his mother having suggested that it might do the little chap good to get an airing after being shut up in the house all day long.
His mind raced back, and once more he marshalled all the facts, as far as he knew them, before him.

Yes, there did not seem to be any reason to believe such a thing as a sad mistake could be made.