and, instead of punishing him by a sharp retort, she forced herself to
explain to him in a few gentle words what had happened, in order to
dispel the unworthy suspicion that must surely hurt him as much as it did
her. She felt convinced that the sufferer would be cheered by her words;
but he made no attempt to show that he appreciated her kindly moderation,
nor to express any satisfaction. On the contrary, when he spoke it was
in the same tone as before.

"If that be the case," he said, "so much the better; but were it
otherwise, it would have to be endured just the same. I can think of
nothing that could affect me now, and it is well. Only my body troubles
me still. It weighs upon me like lead, and grows heavier with every word
I utter. Therefore, I pray you, leave me to myself!"

But his sister would not obey. "No, Philip," she cried, eagerly, "this
may not be. Let your strong spirit arise and burst asunder the bonds
that fetter and cripple it."

At this a groan of pain escaped the philosopher, and, turning again to
the girl, he answered, with a mournful smile:

"Bid the cushion in that arm-chair do so. It will succeed better than
I!" Then crying out impatiently and as loudly as he could, "Now go--you
know not how you torture me!" he turned away from her and buried his face
in the pillows.

But Melissa, as if beside herself, laid her hands upon his shoulder, and,
shaking him gently, exclaimed: "And even if it vexes you, I will not be
driven away thus. The misfortunes that have befallen you in these days
will end by destroying you, if you will not pull yourself together. We