So we started in good time , and came here . I have been thinking of what I have done , '' said Caleb after a moment 's pause ; `` I have been blaming myself till I hardly knew what to do , or where to turn , for the distress of mind I have caused her ; and I 've come to the conclusion that I 'd better , if you 'll stay with me , mum , the while , tell her the truth . You 'll stay with me the while ? '' he inquired , trembling from head to foot . `` I do n't know what effect it may have upon her ; I do n't know what she 'll think of me ; I do n't know that she 'll ever care for her poor father afterwards . But it 's best for her that she should be undeceived , and I must bear the consequences as I deserve ! '' `` Mary , '' said Bertha , `` where is your hand ? Ah ! Here it is ; here it is ! '' pressing it to her lips with a smile , and drawing it through her arm . `` I heard them speaking softly among themselves last night of some blame against you . They were wrong . '' The Carrier 's wife was silent . Caleb answered for her . `` They were wrong , '' he said . `` I knew it ! '' cried Bertha , proudly . `` I told them so . I scorned to hear a word ! Blame her with justice ! ''
she pressed the hand between her own , and the soft cheek XXXXX her face .
after against among as if in of through till upon