h Mr. Bemis and their parents they entered the
invalid's room in procession. Each child carried a long-stemmed golden
chrysanthemum, the girls dressed in white with yellow ribbon bows on
their hair, the boys wearing yellow neckties; the older ones each gave
her a few words of greeting as cheerfully as if they had come with light
hearts from a feast where there was no shadow. "Just like the Bemises,"
it was said.

She was able to listen to a number of letters and telegrams and to enjoy
some of the flowers that had been sent in great abundance to the house.
In writing of that day, one of her children says: "I shall never forget
her face looking so thin and delicate but so beaming with happiness and
the humorous twinkle of her eyes behind her spectacles. Grandpa walked
at the head of the procession looking very proud and happy and making a
great tramping and show at keeping time. Doree Taylor's golden curls
were like sunshine, and we were all so happy to think that in spite of
all our fears Mama Bemis was still with us. How glad we all are that we
had that happy time together!"

All her good pluck and its continuance in the days that followed had its
good result. At first the convalescence was surprisingly rapid, and in a
few weeks she was able to leave the hospital and begin the climb back to
her old strength. It was a trying winter, but a trip to California
helped her much, so that when she reached Mohonk for her last stay there
the gain was marked and she moved about with ease. One of her friends
who spent the summer near her states that she spoke often of this gain,
and showed her old cheer and interest in all that affected her friends
and in the stirring events throughout the world and especially in the
great war into which we had entered; and that she talked more often than
was her wont of the inner life and of the inevitable change--the great
adventure--and the revelations it would bring. She spoke as if she
thought it might come to her in the near future, but always with a quiet
acceptance of it as one experience in the continuous life.

For one reason only she would have it delayed, that her husband might
not have to take the rest of his journey alone. This wish was not
fulfilled, for the transition came quickly. She was spared what would
have been difficult for one with her independent spirit--a long time of
physical dependence on others. On October 9 she left Boston with her
husband for Colorado. A slight cold