You must never come in again." "No," said Stephen, almost as horror-stricken as Mercy.

"It is very strange though, for she always used to seem so fond of me." "She was very childish and patient," said Mercy.

"And I think she thought that you were slowly getting to care about me; but now, wherever her soul is,--I think it has left her body,--she knows that we deceived her." Stephen made no answer, but turned to go.

The expression of resolved endurance on his face pierced Mercy to the quick, as it always did.

She sprang after him, and clasped both her hands on his arm.