She supported that
heavy head with the arm which had carried him before he could walk
alone; she kissed him, and her tears flowed with his; but still she
was silent. There was no reason why she should make further inquiry;
she knew it all. By themselves there they remained till he became a
little calmer, and then he begged her to leave him. She wished to
stay, but he would not permit it, and she withdrew. When she reached
her bedroom her husband was still asleep, and although she feared to
wake him, she could no longer contain herself, and falling on her
knees with her face in the bedclothes, so that she might not be
heard, she cried to her Maker to have mercy on her child. She was
not a woman much given to religious exercises, but she prayed that
night such a prayer as had not been prayed in Tanner's Lane since its
foundation was laid. For this cause shall a man leave father and
mother and cleave to his wife? Ah, yes! he does leave them; but in
his heart does he never go back? And if he never does, does his
mother ever leave him?
In the morning Mrs. Allen was a little pale, and was asked by her
husband if she was unwell, but she held her peace.
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