ations. For the flint-faced fate that you accuse so
virulently, substitute that tender and loving guardian the Angel of
Patience.

'To weary hearts, to mourning homes,
God's meekest Angel gently comes.
. . . . . . . . . .
There's quiet in that Angel's glance,
There's rest in his still countenance!
. . . . . . . . . .
The ills and woes he may not cure
He kindly trains us to endure.
. . . . . . . . . .
He walks with thee, that Angel kind,
And gently whispers, 'Be resigned.'

A moment since, you quoted De Guerin, and perhaps you may recollect
one of his declarations, 'I have no shelter but resignation, and I run
to it in great haste, all trembling and distracted. Resignation! It is
the burrow hollowed in the cleft of some rock, which gives shelter to
the flying and long-hunted prey.' You will never find peace for your
heart and soul until you bring your will into complete subjection to
that of Him 'who doeth all things well.' Defiance and rebellious
struggles only aggravate your sorrows and trials."

She listened to the deep, quiet voice, as some unlettered savage might
hearken to the rhythmic music of Homer, soothed by the tones, yet
incapable of comprehending their import; and as she looked up at the
grave, kingly face, her eyes fell upon the broad band of crape that
encircled his straw hat, which had been hastily placed on the
mantelpiece.

"Dr. Grey, you ought to speak advisedly, for Robert told me that you
had recently lost your sister, and that you are now alone in the
world. You, who have severe afflictions, should know how far
resignation lightens them. I was much pained to learn that your sister
died while you were absent,--while you were sitting up with me. Ah,
sir! you ought to have watched her, and left me to my release. You
have been very kind and considerate toward one who has no claim upon
aught but your pity; and I would gladly lie down in your sister's
grave, and give her back to your heart and home."

Her countenance softened for an instant, and she held out her hand. He
took the delicate fingers in his, and pressed them gently.

"God grant that your life may be spared, until all doubt and
bitterness is removed from your heart, and that when you go down into
the grave it may be as bright with the blessed faith of a Christian as
that which now contains my sister Janet. Do not allow the gloom of
earthly disappointment to cloud your trust, but bear always in mind
those c