ration for the early and unexpected
death which has been her lot. You are not yet aware of the extent
of her trials. A fortnight ago her little boy was attacked with
scarlet fever, in its most violent form. From the first moment of
his illness his case was hopeless, and he only suffered
twenty-four hours. I went over as soon as I heard of his death;
the poor mother's condition was really pitiable. She was helpless
in her sorrow, which was so unexpected as to deprive her at first
of the power of reason. The Good Shepherd though, had not
forgotten her--he told her that he had taken her little lamb, and
had gently folded it in his bosom, and that he would wander with
it in the lovely pastures of Paradise. She was soon perfectly
reconciled to the sad dispensation; sad indeed, for the child was
her only earthly solace. Victim of an unhappy marriage, the dear
engaging little boy was a great consolation to her, and his
amusement and instruction occupied her mind, and passed away
happily many a weary hour.

"She insisted upon attending the funeral, and I accompanied her.
Mr. Kent was with her, too, much distressed, for this hard man
loved his child, and keenly felt his loss.

"She got out of the carriage to hear the funeral service read, and
was calm until they took up the coffin to lower it into the grave.
Then it was impossible to control her. Placing her arms upon it,
she looked around appealingly to the men; and so affected were
they, that they turned from her to wipe away their own tears. Her
strength gave way under the excitement, and she was carried,
insensible, to the carriage, and taken home.

"I found her very feverish, and did not like to leave her,
thinking it probable that she might also have the disease which
had carried off her child. Before night she became really ill, and
Dr. Lawton pronounced her complaint scarlet fever. The disease was
fearfully rapid, and soon ended her life. She was, I think, well
prepared to go. Her solemn and affectionate farewell to her
husband cannot fail to make an impression upon him.

"I shall have a great deal to tell you of her when you return. The
past winter has been a sad one; a constant coolness existing
between her and her husband. A short time ago he was brutally
striking that faithful old man of her father's, Robert, and Mrs.