ought to the relationship between man and his Creator after he
felt the sting of bereavement, but it was a subject to which he never
referred in our conversation, unless, perchance, it drifted in upon us.

The weeks following my uncle's death, during which I was busy with
preparation for the new life that awaited us, Rayel spent in his
studio working over some unfinished pictures. At my urgent request, he
completed the head whose resemblance to Hester Chaffin had so startled
and amazed me the night I saw it first, and he regarded it with fonder
interest than he was wont to bestow upon the work of his brush. I
believe that face was the closest presentment of a human soul I shall
ever see until standing, as I hope to stand some time, in the presence
of the redeemed, where "that which is imperfect shall be put away." I
have said that the picture bore a strong resemblance to Hester Chaffin,
but her face contained only a suggestion of that fine quality which was
so strongly presented in my cousin's ideal.

My uncle's fortune, as described in his will, amounted to nearly
$250,000. The greater part of it--everything, indeed, but the house
and grounds--was in cash, represented by certificates of deposit
accompanying the will, and bonds of the United States. There was a
considerable bequest for me, whom he had named as executor of the will,
which, however, I determined never to apply to my own use, except in
case of Rayel's death. A handsome annuity was provided for his only
surviving servant. The remainder was left to Rayel.

Having arranged for the maintenance of the old mute at an asylum not
far from the city, our preparations to leave were soon complete. I was
elated at the prospect of resuming my relations with the busy world
outside that lonely habitation. My first step was to visit a lawyer for
the purpose of ascertaining the legal formalities which I must observe
as executor of the will. Rayel wished to go with me, and I gladly
assented, for it seemed wise as an initiatory step in the new life that
was awaiting him. He waved his hand to the mute, who stood looking at us
through the big gates after we had passed out into the road, and then he
walked on beside me in silence. The sun-shot haze of a beautiful autumn
day hung over the face of nature, and his eyes wandered down the long
stretches of landscape, and into the depths of the distant sky, rapt
by the vision that was unfolding before him. The changing phases of the