`` Mary ! '' said Bertha . `` Not at the marriage ! '' `` I told her you would not be there , mum , '' whispered Caleb . `` I heard as much last night . But bless you , '' said the little man , taking her tenderly by both hands , '' I do n't care for what they say . I do n't believe them . There a n't much of me , but that little should be torn to pieces sooner than I 'd trust a word against you ! '' He put his arms about her neck and hugged her , as a child might have hugged one of his own dolls . `` Bertha could n't stay at home this morning , '' said Caleb . `` She was afraid , I know , to hear the bells ring , and could n't trust herself to be so near them on their wedding-day . 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 XXXXX her lips with a smile , and drawing it through her arm .
after against as by in near on that to upon