Ten o'clock had arrived and he had not yet awoke, having only fallen asleep a little before daybreak.

His father went to his bed-side, and looking down saw that he was still asleep, with a peaceful smile irradiating his features, as it were with a sense of inward happiness and tranquility.

He beckoned to his mother who approached the bed, and contemplated him with that tearless agony which sears the heart and brain, until the feeling would be gladly exchanged for madness.

The conversation which followed was in Irish, a circumstance that accounts for its figurative style and tenderness of expression.
"What is that smile," said the father.

"It is the peace of God," said the mother, "shining from an innocent and happy heart.