But still he went on wailing, complaining of his lot as a child complains, and refusing all consolation.

"Yes; I know," said he, "it has all been my fault.

But how could I help it?
What was I to do ?" "Papa, nobody has said that anything was your fault; nobody has thought so." "I never spent anything on myself--never, never; and yet,--and yet,--and yet--!" "Look at it with more courage, papa.

After all, what harm will it be if I should have to go out and earn my own bread like any other young woman?
I am not afraid." At last he wept himself into an apathetic tranquillity, as though he had at present no further power for any of the energy of grief; and she left him while she went about the house and learned how things had gone on during her absence.

It seemed, from the tidings which the servant gave her, that he had been ill almost since she had been gone.