Stephen had ceased to be a personality to her.
Striving very earnestly with herself to be kind, and to do for this stranger whom she knew not what would be the very best and most healing thing for his soul, Mercy wrote to him as follows:-- "DEAR STEPHEN,--Your note was a very great surprise to me.

I am most heartily thankful that you are at last free to live your life like other men.

I think that the future ought to hold some very great and good gifts in store for you, to reward you for your patience.

I have never known any human being so patient as you.
"You must forgive me for saying that I do not believe it is possible for us to be friends.

I could be yours, and would be glad to be so.