enemy coming in as a flood; but
even here a way for escape has been made, my supplication answered
... and the bitter cup sweetened; but at others my loss has touched
me in a manner almost inexpressible, to awake and find my
much-loved little girl so totally fled from my view, so many
pleasant pictures marred. As far as I am concerned, I view it as a
separation from a sweet source of comfort and enjoyment, but surely
not a real evil. Abundant comforts are left me if it please my kind
and Heavenly Father to provide me power to enjoy them, and
continually in heart to return him thanks for His unutterable
loving kindness to my tenderly-beloved little one, who had so sweet
and easy a life and so tranquil a death.... My much-loved husband
and I have drunk this cup together in close sympathy and unity of
feeling. It has at times been very bitter to us both; but as an
outward alleviation, we have, I believe, been in measure each
other's joy and helpers. The sweet children have also tenderly
sympathized; brothers, sisters, servants, and friends, have been
very near and dear in showing their kindness not only to the
darling child, but to me, and to us all.... We find outwardly and
inwardly, "the Lord did provide."

The little lost Betsey, who "just came to show how sweet a flower for
Paradise could bloom," was thenceforth a sacred memory; for from that
day they had a connecting link between their household and the skies.
Very frequently, even in the midst of her multifarious engagements, her
thoughts wandered off to the little grave in Barking burying-ground,
where rested the remains of the dear child, and, perchance, a tenderer
tone crept into her voice as she dealt with the outcast children of
prisons and reformatories. Soon after this event the elder boys and
girls went to school among their relatives, and only the youngest were
left at Plashet House with her. As a new baby came within six months
after little Betsey's death, the motherly hands were still full. She
found, however, time to write letters of wise and mother-like counsels.

My much-loved girls:--Your letters received last evening gave us
much pleasure. I anxiously hope that you will now do your utmost in
whatever respects your education, not only on your own account, but
for our sake. I look forward to your return with so much comfort,
as usefu