human
Jacob, said Tom, squeezing me by the hand, with a quivering lip,
gpt
I sent out the Dominie. Tom leant against the wall, with his arms folded, in appearance summoning up all his energy for the painful meeting. Mary was led in by her father. I expected she would have swooned away, as before; but, on the contrary, although she was pale as death, and gasping for breath, from intensity of feeling, she walked up to Tom where he was standing, and sat down on the form close to him. She looked anxiously round upon the group, and then said,
human
I know that all I now say is useless, Tom; but still I must say it--it is I who, by my folly, have occasioned all this distress and misery--it is I who have caused you to suffer a--dreadful death--yes, Tom, I am your murderer.
gpt
Not so, Mary, the folly was my own,
human
You cannot disguise or palliate to me, dearest Tom, replied Mary;
gpt
continued Mary, falling down upon her knees,
human
Forgive her, poor thing--yes; who could refuse it, as she kneels there? Come, continued he, speaking to his wife,
gpt
As I hope for mercy to my poor boy, whom you have killed, so do I forgive you, unhappy young woman.
human
May God reward you, when you are summoned before Him, replied Mary.
gpt
It was the hardest task of all. Of you, Jacob, I have to ask forgiveness for depriving you of your early and truest friend--yes, and for much more. Of you, sir, addressing the Dominie,
human
Yes, Mary, from my heart, I do forgive you,
gpt
Bless thee, maiden, bless thee!
human
Father, I must ask of you the same--I have been a wilful child--forgive me!
gpt
Yes, Mary; you could not help it, replied old Stapleton, blubbering;
human
And now, said Mary, turning round on her knees to Tom, with a look expressive of anguish and love,
gpt
O Lord, look down upon these Thy servants in affliction; grant to those who are to continue in their pilgrimage strength to bear Thy chastening--grant to him who is to be summoned to Thee that happiness which the world cannot give; and O God most mighty, God most powerful, lay not upon us burdens greater than we can bear.--My children let us pray.
human
Stapleton,