ke tu me about it, the tears
cum into her bright eyes, jest like the pearls sot around the
diamonds in her ring. I'm kinder thinkin we shall talk that
are matter over when she comes back.'

"Up to the last day he was hopeful of getting well, and none
of us felt specially concerned about him. The doctor came
and went with words of cheer, and I was making preparations
to go home, when the unexpected summons came. His pain seemed
suddenly to change to the region of his heart, and I heard
him say to Fanny, ''Tween you an me, Fanny, the pain is in my
heart. I believe I'm called fur, and I ain't done no good in
the world yet. My temperance lectur didn't amount to nothin.
I'm glad I never delivered it, fur it ain't got none of
Jesus's love in it, and men du need the Almighty's lovin hand
in that are thing. Fur it's the devil's pison and mighty hard
to fight agin. Wouldn't the Honey be glad though, if she knew
what a fine man that are Sherman is since he give up drinkin.
Tell her that poor old Daddy blessed her with his dyin
breath. Call Recta, Fanny.'

"I sprang to his bedside, and in a moment Recta was there
also. The dying man took my hand and thanked me for all my
attentions to him, and then his eyes rested tenderly upon his
wife. He tried to speak, but a spasm of pain checked him, and
Recta bent low to catch the words. He pointed upwards, threw
his arms around her neck, and was gone.

"We buried him at the left of your parents beside mammy, and
when I left a mantle of soft, white snow was flung over all.

"I brought Fanny home with me, and Recta is living with Dr.
Goodrich's family. Having previously been so many years their
servant, she is much attached to the doctor's wife and Edward
Sherman.

"Edward Sherman was very attentive to Daddy during his
illness, frequently riding down with the doctor and remaining
until his next morning's visit. There is certainly a striking
change in his appearance. I honor him for the
straight-forward, high-minded course he has of late taken.
Having learned his weakness before it was too late, it has
become to him an element of strength, and his influence over
his associates speaks well for his future usefulness.

"We all long to see you again, Fanny in particular wishes for
your return every day, although she seems quite con