Forgive me if I own this in plain words.
I cannot control myself--I feel too strongly." At other times Mercy might have heard the coming avowal in his tones, might have discovered it in his eyes.

As it was, her delicate insight was dulled, her fine perception was blunted.

She held out her hand to him, feeling a vague conviction that he was kinder to her than ever--and feeling no more.
"I must thank you for the last time," she said.

"As long as life is left, my gratitude will be a part of my life.

Let me go.