She and I were like sisters, and now she is gone, will you not let me be like a sister to you in your trouble?
I know what sorrows you have had, though I cannot measure the depth of them.
If sympathy and pity can help in your affliction, won't you let me be of some little service, for Lucy's sake ?" In an instant the poor dear fellow was overwhelmed with grief.

It seemed to me that all that he had of late been suffering in silence found a vent at once.

He grew quite hysterical, and raising his open hands, beat his palms together in a perfect agony of grief.

He stood up and then sat down again, and the tears rained down his cheeks.

I felt an infinite pity for him, and opened my arms unthinkingly.