She implored us to forgive her and we did freely and fully . But the one against whom she had sinned most grievously was gone , and no word of forgiveness could come to her from the grave . My poor sister never knew peace of conscience again , Master . But she was gentle and kind and humble until -- until she began to fear that Kilmeny was never going to speak . We thought then that she would go out of her mind . Indeed , Master , she never was quite right again . `` But that is the story and it 's a thankful woman I am that the telling of it is done . Kilmeny ca n't speak because her mother would n't . '' Eric had listened with a gray horror on his face to the gruesome tale . The black tragedy of it appalled him -- the tragedy of that merciless law , the most cruel and mysterious thing in God 's universe , which ordains that the sin of the guilty shall be visited on the innocent . Fight against it as he would , the miserable conviction stole into his heart that Kilmeny 's case was indeed beyond the reach of any human skill . `` It is a dreadful tale , '' he said moodily , getting up and walking restlessly to and fro in the dim spruce-shadowed old kitchen where they were . `` And if it is true that her mother 's willful silence caused Kilmeny 's dumbness , I fear , as you say , that we can not help her . But you may be mistaken . It may have been nothing more than a strange coincidence . Possibly something may be done for her . At all events , we must try . I have a friend in Queenslea who is a physician . His name is David Baker , and he is a very skilful specialist in regard to the throat and voice . I shall have him come here and see Kilmeny . ''
`` Have your way , '' assented Janet in the hopeless tone which she might have used XXXXX giving him permission to attempt any impossible thing .
At against as beyond for from in into on than