eye be
lifted and the heart hope on, and there is found a glimmering of light
which enables the trembling one to penetrate the gloom. Alice's symptoms
had been so violent from the first, her disease had progressed so rapidly,
that her condition was almost hopeless; ere Mr. Weston thought of the
propriety of informing Arthur of her condition. The first time it occurred
to him, he felt convinced that he ought not to delay. He knew that Arthur
never could be consoled, if Alice, his dearly loved, his affianced wife,
should die without his having the consolation of a parting word or look. He
asked Cousin Janet her opinion.

She recalled all that had passed previous to Alice's illness. As she looked
into Mr. Weston's grieved and honest face, the question suggested
itself,--Is it right thus, to keep him in ignorance? She only wavered a
moment. Already the traces of agitation caused by his niece's illness, were
visible in his flushed face and nervous frame; what then might be the
result of laying before him a subject in which his happiness was so nearly
concerned? Besides, she felt convinced that even should Alice improve, the
suffering which had been one cause of her sickness, might be renewed with
double force if suggested by Arthur's presence.

"I know, my dear cousin," she said, "it will be a terrible grief to Arthur,
should Alice be taken from us, yet I think you had better not write. Dr.
Lawton says, that a very short time must decide her case; and were the
worst we fear to occur, Arthur could not reach here in time to see her with
any satisfaction. If he lose her, it will probably be better for him to
remember her in health and beauty."

Mr. Weston trembled, and burst into tears. "Try and not give way," said
Miss Janet again; "we are doing all we can. We must hope and pray. I feel a
great deal of hope. God is so merciful, he will not bring this stroke upon
you in your old age, unless it is necessary. Why do you judge for him? He
is mighty to save. 'The Lord on high, is mightier than the noise of many
waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.' Think of His mercy and
power to save, and trust in Him."

In these most trying scenes of life, how little do we sympathize with the
physician. How much oppressed he must feel, with the charge upon him. He is
the adviser--to him is left the direction of the potions which may be the
healing medicine or the deadly poison. He may select a remedy powerful to
cure, he may prescrib