Her wounds have been deep and many , but this will be the sorest of all . '' `` Fear not for Catharine , '' replied the old Quaker , `` for I know that valiant woman and have seen how she can bear the cross . A mother 's heart , indeed , is strong in her , and may seem to contend mightily with her faith ; but soon she will stand up and give thanks that her son has been thus early an accepted sacrifice . The boy hath done his work , and she will feel that he is taken hence in kindness both to him and her . Blessed , blessed are they that with so little suffering can enter into peace ! '' The fitful rush of the wind was now disturbed by a portentous sound : it was a quick and heavy knocking at the outer door . Pearson 's wan countenance grew paler , for many a visit of persecution had taught him what to dread ; the old man , on the other hand , stood up erect , and his glance was firm as that of the tried soldier who awaits his enemy . `` The men of blood have come to seek me , '' he observed , with calmness . `` They have heard how I was moved to return from banishment , and now am I to be led to prison , and thence to death . It is an end I have long looked for . I will open unto them lest they say , ` Lo , he feareth ! ' '' `` Nay ; I will present myself before them , '' said Pearson , with recovered fortitude . `` It may be that they seek me alone and know not that thou abidest with me . '' `` Let us go boldly , both one and the other , '' rejoined his companion . `` It is not fitting that thou or I should shrink . '' They therefore proceeded through the entry to the door , which they opened , bidding the applicant `` Come in , in God 's name ! '' A furious blast of wind drove the storm into their faces and extinguished the lamp ; they had barely time to discern a figure so white from head to foot with the drifted snow that it seemed like Winter 's self come in human shape to seek refuge from its own desolation . `` Enter , friend , and do thy errand , be it what it may , '' said Pearson . `` It must needs be pressing , since thou comest on such a bitter night . '' `` Peace be with this household ! ''
said the stranger , when they stood XXXXX the floor of the inner apartment .
as at before into lest on since that through to