e arms he loved so well. How did poor Mrs. C. live
through the week of suspense that followed the telegram announcing his
illness? for one must love such a man very deeply, I think. Well,
he doesn't care now where he died or when, and he has gone where he
belonged. I miss you all ever so much, and George keeps up one constant
howl for your husband. It is a mystery to me what any of you find in my
letters, they do seem so flat to me. What fun it would be if you would
_all_ write me a round letter! I would write a rouser for it. Lots of
love.

The Rev. Wheelock Craig, whose Life is referred to by Mrs. Prentiss in
the preceding letter, was her husband's successor in the pastorate of
the South Trinitarian church, New Bedford. [9]

* * * * *

V.

Recollections by Mrs. Henry B. Smith.

The following Recollections from the pen of Mrs. Smith may fitly close
the present chapter:

NORTHAMPTON, _January 2, 1879_.

MY DEAR DR. PRENTISS:--I have been trying this beautiful snowy day,
which shuts us in to our own thoughts, to recall some of my impressions
of your dear wife, but I find it very difficult; there was such
variety to her, and so much of her, and the things which were most
characteristic are so hard to be described.

I read "Stepping Heavenward" in MS. before we went to Europe in 1869. I
remember she used to say that I was "Katy's Aunt," because we talked her
over with so much interest. She sent me a copy to Heidelberg, where I
began at once translating it into German as my regular exercise. I was
delighted to give my copy to Mrs. Prof. K. in Leipsic, as _the_ American
story which I was willing to have her translate into German, as she had
asked for one. There is no need of telling you about the enthusiasm
which the book created. Women everywhere said, "It seems to be myself
that I am reading about"; and the feeling that they, too, with all their
imperfections, might be really stepping heavenward, was one great secret
of its inspiration. One little incident may interest you. My niece,
Mrs. Prof. Emerson, was driving alone toward Amherst, and took into her
carriage a poor colored woman who was walking the same way. The woman
soon said, "I have been thinking a good deal of you, Mrs. E., and of
your little children, and I have been reading a book which I thought
you would like. It was something about walking towards heaven." "Was it
'Stepping Heavenward'?" "Yes, that was it."

How n