et. The snow on the mountains is as low
as the lowest hills, and I pity the poor creatures who must be
suffering in consequence. J. enjoys the weather very much; indeed
he seems so exhilarated and invigorated by it that one could almost
wish it to last on his account, but I must say that I wish it was
over, and the warm sunbeams shedding their genial rays again upon
the cold frozen earth.

Trouble and grief are such a common complaint at present that you
will not be surprised to hear me relate my share of them. I have
indeed had my full share, and you would say so too had you seen how
I was occupied during my holidays last summer, in taking care of my
ill and suffering brother. And aside from my fatigue, for I was
always on my feet until two or three hours after midnight, quite
alone with him--merely to witness such indescribable suffering as
he went through, was more than is generally allotted to human
beings on earth. He had been unwell for some time previous, and had
been advised by the Doctor to go up to the mountains, so Mr.
Calhoun kindly offered him a place in the Seminary, where he could
stop until his health was recruited, and in the meantime give a
couple of English lessons during the day to the boys in the
Seminary. He lodged with the Theological students in a little room
above the school, but he had not been up there more than a week,
when his whole body became suddenly covered with a burning eruption
that was always spreading and increasing in size. He could neither
lie nor sit in any possible position, and was racked with pains
that seemed at times well nigh driving him mad. I trembled for his
reason, and was so awed and terrified by the sight, that I was in
danger of losing mine as well. No one would come near him, and Mrs.
Calhoun had kindly asked me to come and spend the holidays with
them, so it fell to my lot to nurse and take care of him. I used to
go to him in the morning as soon as I got up, and sit (or stand) up
with him until two or three o'clock at night, dressing his sores;
running down only occasionally for my meals, and with my little
lantern coming down in the dead of night, all alone, to lay my
weary head and aching heart and limbs on my bed for a little rest.
But not to sleep, for whenever I closed my eyes, I had that