Mercy roughly shook it off.

There was a rudeness in the action which would have offended the most patient woman living.

Grace drew back indignantly.

"Ah!" she cried, "you are cruel." "I am kind," answered the nurse, speaking more sternly than ever.
"Is it kind to keep me at a distance?
I have told you my story." The nurse's voice rose excitedly.

"Don't tempt me to speak out," she said; "you will regret it." Grace declined to accept the warning.