It seemed to her that the words he had spoken and she had received had already wrought a bond between them which nothing could hinder or harm.

Why should they sit thus silent by each other's side to-night, when so few hours ago they were full of joy and gladness?
Was it the future or the past which laid this seal on Stephen's lips?
Mercy was not wont to be helpless or inert.

She saw clearly, acted quickly always; but here she was powerless, because she was in the dark.

She could not even grope her way in this mystery.

At last Stephen spoke.
"Mercy," he said, "perhaps you are already sorry that I care so much for you.