this she was peculiarly fitted by her natural qualities and her home training. In the many vicissitudes of his life, in all the storms that tried his sensitive spirit, she was by his side, counseling, cheering, consoling. They were very tender and constant, almost reverent in their mutual love; loth to be deprived of each other's companionship, even for a day. Mother was once strongly urged by a much-loved niece, to make her a visit. Her reply was, "I am afraid your uncle can not leave his papers." "That need not make any difference," pleaded she, "you can come just as well, and stay two or three weeks." "No, Mary," said mother, we can not have a great while to be together, and I do not like to lose any time." For nearly twenty years after that they were spared to each other, the union becoming stronger and stronger as age advanced.
[ocr errors] Mother was an excellent nurse. Her very presence in the sick room was inspiriting, and her touch, so gentle, skillful and soothing, carried with it an impression of strength and restfulness. Her quiet selfpossession was an important element of success. Sometimes dear father, on becoming suddenly aware of the serious nature of an illness, would exclaim, "My love, how can you be so calm when the child is in such great danger?" Well did she know that life was trembling in the balance, as with her true mother-heart and almost professional eye, she watched and prayed; but equally well did she realize that in her calmness lay the only hope of the sufferer, and with self-forgetful love she suppressed all outward expressions of uneasiness, lest it might reflect unfavorably on the dear one whom she would save. O, our precious mother! how
