It did not seem possible that he could have dropped so completely out of sight unless on the theory that he had lost his way in the storm and fallen into the river.

This suggestion as soon as it came to Mrs.Voss settled into a conviction.

Her imagination brooded over the idea and brought the reality before her mind with such a cruel vividness that she almost saw the tragedy enacted, and heard again that cry of "Mother!" which had seemed to mingle with the wild shrieks of the tempest, but which came only to her inner sense.
She dreamed that night a dream which, though it confirmed all this, tranquilized and comforted her.

In a vision her boy stood by her bedside and smiled upon her with his old loving smile.

He bent over and kissed her with his wonted tenderness; he laid his hand on her forehead with a soft pressure, and she felt the touch thrilling to her heart in sweet and tender impulses.
"It is all well with me," he said; "I shall wait for you, mother." And then he bent over and kissed her again, the pressure of his lips bringing an unspeakable joy to her heart.