_27th May_ (to Mr. Webb)--"I have been reading _Tom Brown's
School Days_--a capital book. Dr. Arnold was a man worth his
weight in something better than gold. You know Oswell" [his
early friend] "was one of his Rugby boys. One could see his
training in always doing what was brave and true and right."

"_2d June._--Tom better, but kept back in his education by
his complaint. Oswell getting on well at school at Hamilton.
Anna Mary well. Mother gradually becoming weaker. Robert we
shall never hear of again in this world, I fear; but the Lord
is merciful and just and right in all his ways. He would hear
the cry for mercy in the hospital at Salisbury. I have lost
my part in that gigantic struggle which the Highest guided to
a consummation never contemplated by the Southerners when
they began; and many other have borne more numerous losses."

"_5th June_.--Went about a tombstone for my dear Mary. Got a
good one of cast-iron to be sent out to the Cape.

"Mother very low.... Has been a good affectionate mother to
us all. The Lord be with her.... Whatever is good for me and
mine the Lord will give.

"To-morrow, Communion in kirk. The Lord strip off all
imperfections, wash away all guilt, breathe love and goodness
through all my nature, and make his image shine out from
my soul.

"Mother continued very low, and her mind ran on poor Robert.
Thought I was his brother, and asked me frequently, 'Where is
your brother? where is that puir laddie?'... Sisters most
attentive.... Contrary to expectation she revived, and I went
to Oxford. The Vice-Chancellor offered me the theatre to
lecture in, but I expected a telegram if any change took
place on mother. Gave an address to a number of friends in
Dr. Daubeny's chemical class-room."

"_Monday, 19th June_.--A telegram came, saying that mother
had died the day before. I started at once for Scotland. No
change was observed till within an hour and a half of her
departure.... Seeing the end was near, sister Agnes said,
'The Saviour has come for you, mother. You can "lippen"
yourself to him?' She replied, 'Oh yes.' Little Anna Mary was
help up to her. She gave her the last look, and said 'Bonnie
wee lassie,' gave a few long inspirations, and all was still,
with a look of reverence on her cou