`` Of course not , '' answered Caleb , `` and with reason . '' `` Ah ! With how much reason ! '' cried the Blind Girl . With such fervency , that Caleb , though his motives were so pure , could not endure to meet her face ; but dropped his eyes , as if she could have read in them his innocent deceit . `` Then tell me again about him , dear father , '' said Bertha . `` Many times again ! His face is benevolent , kind , and tender . Honest and true , I am sure it is . The manly heart that tries to cloak all favours with a show of roughness and unwillingness , beats in its every look and glance . '' `` And makes it noble , '' added Caleb in his quiet desperation . `` And makes it noble , '' cried the Blind Girl . `` He is older than May , father . '' `` Ye-es , '' said Caleb reluctantly . `` He 's a little older than May . But that do n't signify . '' `` Oh , father , yes ! To be his patient companion in infirmity and age ; to be his gentle nurse in sickness , and his constant friend in suffering and sorrow ; to know no weariness in working for his sake ; to watch him , tend him , sit beside his bed and talk to him awake , and pray for him asleep ; what privileges these would be ! What opportunities for proving all her truth and her devotion to him ! Would she do all this , dear father ? ''
`` No doubt XXXXX it , '' said Caleb .
Bertha With about fervency for in of than though to