Her father went on one side of her , while Dot remained upon the other , holding her hand . `` I know you all , '' said Bertha , `` better than you think . But none so well as her . Not even you , father . There is nothing half so real and so true about me as she is . If I could be restored to sight this instant , and not a word were spoken , I could choose her from a crowd ! My sister ! '' `` Bertha , my dear ! '' said Caleb . `` I have something on my mind I want to tell you while we three are alone . Hear me kindly ! I have a confession to make to you , my darling ! '' `` A confession , father ? '' `` I have wandered from the truth , and lost myself , my child , '' said Caleb with a pitiable expression in his bewildered face . `` I have wandered from the truth , intending to be kind to you ; and have been cruel . '' She turned her wonder-stricken face towards him , and repeated `` Cruel ! '' `` He accuses himself too strongly , Bertha , '' said Dot . `` You 'll say so presently . You 'll be the first to tell him so . '' `` He cruel to me ! ''
cried Bertha with a smile XXXXX incredulity .
If about in of on than to towards while with