"Do not despair of mercy."
"Yes, I must. Despair gives me more relief than hope."
"Shall I pray with you?"
"It is too late."
"Consent."
"Then pray for my dear mother; pray that her mind may be prepared for the distressing news which will soon reach her ears. I have deceived her."
Mr. Jordan knelt down and prayed; but his importunity merely served to invest the pang of despair with an additional degree of terror.
"All is useless—
'The help of men and angels join'd
Can never reach my case.'"
"That's true, my dear young friend, but"——