He stands distant only a yard or so, and as yet has not uttered a syllable, only waiting to see if his burning gaze, his looks of eager love and devotion, will have a miraculous effect on his parent.
As he stands thus mutely before her, she becomes aware of his presence for the first time.

She looks up at his face, the casual glance becomes immediately a stare; her cheeks grow pale as death; it is evident that something has aroused memories of the past, and they flood her soul.
Slowly the woman arises.

Her figure is slight, but there is a nobility about it.

Purity is written upon her brow, in her eyes shines the light of faith that dares to look the whole world in the face.

And before a word is spoken John Craig knows his mother has been dreadfully wronged in the past, suffering in silence because of some noble motive.
She has gained her feet, and now advances, walking like one in a dream, her hands outstretched.