Then in a lower tone, "You know you are free, Mercy,--utterly free.

I would never be so base as to hold you by a word." Mercy smiled half-bitterly, as she replied,-- "Words never hold people, and you know very well it is only an empty form of words to say that I am free.

I do not want to be free, darling," she added, in a burst of tenderness toward him.

"You could not set me free, if you tried." When Mercy told Parson Dorrance her intention of going away, his face changed as if some fierce spasm wrung him; but it was over in a second, and he said,-- "You are quite right, my child,--quite right.

It will be a great deal better for you in every way.