And, more than that, she has a wedding present for you." Mercy became absorbed in her work; she stooped close over the embroidery--so close that Horace could not see her face.

"Do you know what the present is ?" she asked, in lowered tones, speaking absently.
"No.

I only know it is waiting for you.

Shall I go and get it to-day ?" She neither accepted nor refused the proposal--she went on with her work more industriously than ever.
"There is plenty of time," Horace persisted.

"I can go before dinner." Still she took no notice: still she never looked up.