for the last few months
matters have grown worse, till my days and nights are filled with pain
and unrest; and today I have learned that the time has come for me to set
my house in order, for I am to 'die, and not live.' Nay, not so: I am to
pass from the land of the dying to that blest world where death can never
enter.

"My physician tells me it may possibly be three months ere I reach 'that
bourne whence no traveller returns,' but that in all probability I shall
arrive there in less than half that time.

"And there is much I would say to you, my brother; much in which I need
your kind help. You will be coming North for the hot season; I would
gladly have you, your sweet wife and baby-boy spend it here with us; and
to me it seems that there are few pleasanter places than this little
home-nest of ours high up on the rocky banks of the grand old Hudson
River. We have pure air and magnificent scenery, and it will be most
comforting to me to have your loved companionship as I go down into the
valley of the shadow of death.

"Thank God, it is only the shadow, and I shall go down into it leaning on
the strong arm of my beloved. Jesus will be with me to the very end.

"But I may be asking too much of my sweet sister Elsie; you and she have,
perchance, formed other plans more congenial to your tastes and wishes.
If so, let me not interfere with them; consider my request withdrawn.
Yet, shall I not have at least a sight of your loved faces ere I go hence
to return no more?

"Lovingly, ERIC."

Elsie could scarce see the signature from the fast-falling tears.

"The dear brother!" she sobbed. "But, oh, Lester, be comforted! His
troubles and trials are almost over, the battle nearly ended, the victory
well-nigh won; and we know he will come off more than conqueror through
Him that loved him!"

"Yes, I know, I know it; but he has been a dear brother to me, and, oh,
how can I learn to live without him!" he answered, in tones quivering
with emotion.

"'Twill only be for a time, love, and then you will be restored to each
other, never to part any more forever," Elsie said softly, with her arm
about her husband's neck, while her tears mingled with his, and her sweet
lips were pressed again and again to his cheek.

He folded her in a close embrace.

"My dear, sweet, precious comforter," he said, "I can never be unhappy
while God spares me my wife."

"Nor I, while I have you, dearest," she responded, with an added caress.