The words "I could have loved him, I know I could! I can't bear to have him think it is because he is so old," went clamoring in her heart, pleading to be said; but she dared not say them.
Tenderly and patiently Parson Dorrance endeavored to soothe her, to convince her that his words sprung from a hasty impulse which he would be able wholly to put aside and forget.

The one thing that he longed now to do, the only reparation that he felt was left for him to make to her, was to enable her, if possible, to look on him as she had done before.

But Mercy herself made this more difficult.

Suddenly wiping her tears, she looked very steadily into his face, and said slowly,--"It is not of the least use, Mr.Dorrance, for you to say this sort of thing to me.

You can't deceive me.