Though Mercy was dangerously ill, Matthew insisted that Gershom Bulkeley would never be allowed into his house. What did Matthew do on the fourth day of Mercy's illness? Why do you think he finally allowed Dr. Bulkeley into his home?

On the fourth day of Mercy's illness, Uncle Matthew prepared to ask Gershom to come and check on her..... to see if there was anything he could do. He allowed Gershom into his home because he might be able to save his daughter. In order to do so, he had to put away his pride.

"Matthew," he said, "you're a stubborn mule and a rebel. But this is no time for politics. Time was your Mercy was like my own daughter. Let me see her, Matthew. Let me do what I can, with God's help, to save her."

Matthew's voice was almost a sob. "Come in, Gershom," he choked. "God bless you! I was coming to fetch you."