I stand where I stand; and no mortal can help me, except you.

You can help me infinitely.

Already the joy of seeing you, hearing you, knowing that you are near, makes all my life seem changed.

It is not very much for you to give me, Mercy, after all, out of the illimitable riches of your beauty, your brightness, your spirit, your strength,--just a few words, just a few smiles, just a little love,--for the few days, or it may be years, that fate sets us by each other's side?
And you, too, need a friend, Mercy.

Your duty to another has brought you where you are singularly alone, for the time being, just as my duty to another has placed me where I must be singularly alone.