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"Do not stifle so good an inspiration," pursued Lucy, on seeing

hesitation in the countenance of her persecutor. "If you do not

grant me mercy, the Lord will; he will send death to relieve me,

and all will be over. But you-one day, perhaps, you also-but no,

no-I will pray the Lord to preserve you from evil. What would it

cost you to say one word? If ever you experience these

torments--"

"Well, well, take courage," said the Unknown, with a gentleness

that astonished the old woman. "Have I done you any harm? Have I

menaced you?"

"Oh, no. I see that you have a good heart, and that you pity a

poor creature. If you chose, you could alarm me more than any of

them, you could make me die with fear; and on the contrary, you

have-you have given me some consolation. God reward you!

Accomplish the work you have begun; save me, save me."

"To-morrow morning."

"Oh, save me now, now!"