w guns shattering the windows, and only
_not_ bringing down the plaster because the rooms are ceiled with wood
"for the same purpose."...

TO MRS. JELF.

Sunday, April 1883.

MY DEAREST MARNY,

I must write a line to you about your poor friends! It is THE
tragedy of this war! Very terrible. I hope the bitterness of death was
_short_, and to gallant spirits like theirs hope and courage probably
supported them till the very last, when higher hopes helped them to
undo their grasp on this life.

In the dying--they suffered far less than most of us will probably
suffer in our beds--but to be at the fullest stretch of manly powers
in the service of their country among the world's hopes and fears and
turmoils, and to be suddenly called upon to "leave all and follow
Christ"--when the "all" for them had most righteously got every force
of mind and body devoted to it--must be at least one hard struggle.
And death away from home does seem so terrible!

Richard will feel it very much. That Nottingham election seems so
short a time ago.

* * * * *

Back from Church! Great haste. We have had that grand hymn with--

"Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest."

I did not forget the poor souls.

Prayers for the dead is one of those things which always seems to me
the most curiously obvious and simple of duties!

Your most loving, J.H.E.

71, _Warwick Road_. April 9, 1883.

DEAREST MARNY,

I write a line to tell you that D. was at S. Paul's yesterday
afternoon to Evensong, and to hear Liddon preach.

I know you will like to hear how very gracefully he alluded to your
poor friend as "the accomplished Engineer," and to Charrington and
Palmer. Of the last--he spoke very feelingly--as to his great loss
from the learning point of view. He said--or to this effect--"We laid
them here last Friday in the faith of Him who died for their sins and
ours, and this is the first Sunday when above their ashes we
commemorate that Resurrection through which we hope that they and we
shall rise again." The "Drum Band" was duly played after the service,
and D. says that crowds remained to listen.

I know you will like to hear this, though I have given a bad
second-hand account.

I hope my Goodman gets to Malta to-day or to-morrow!

* * * * *

Ever, dearest Marny,
Your loving J.H.E.

TO A.E.

April 24, 1883.

... I sent you a telegram this mornin