With the long-trained patience of a lifetime, Stephen accepted this great grief, and made no effort to gainsay it.

Mercy tried again and again to speak, but no words came.

At last, with a flood of tears, she exclaimed,-- "I cannot help it, Stephen,--I cannot help it." "No, darling, you cannot help it; and it is not your fault," replied Stephen.

Touched to the heart by his sweetness and forbearance, Mercy went nearer him, and took his hand, and in her old way was about to lay it to her cheek.
Stephen drew it hastily away, and a shudder ran over his body.

"No, Mercy, do not try to do that.