"Time is getting on, little mother, and we'll soon have to say farewell " "Aye, my child. The parting is a sad one to me; but I hope and trust the good God will hold you in His safe keeping, and guide your footsteps back home to me again " "Never you fear, little mother. He will do that, and in a year's time we shall all meet again under the old roof-tree, I'm certain. Keep your heart up, mother mine, the same as I do; remember, it is not a 'Farewell' I am saying for ever, it is merely 'Auf wiedersehen '" "I hope so, Eric, surely; still, we cannot tell what the future may bring forth " said the other sadly.