oppressing it; and her face beamed with a look of sweet, calm satisfaction. She knew whither she was bound; and that seemed all she needed. She knew, too, that others knew it; and the mutual understanding seemed to satisfy her. She did not dwell on the subject in conversation, however much she may have brooded over it in thought. Surely this is another sweet example of her unselfishness and consideration for the feelings of others. She could not dwell on a theme that mainly concerned herself, even though that theme were her own passage through the "valley of the shadow." And then she knew well that to be often talking of the removal of one from the loved and loving family circle, would only make the home hearts bleed uselessly. She rather did her part gently to loose the strings that bound her so closely to them.

She never mentioned her doctor's name to us after this his last visit. How often she laid it before her Father in heaven we cannot say. But there can be little doubt that from this day, till she could no longer "lift up hands of prayer," she pleaded for him at the throne of grace, and prayed that "his disappointment might lead him to think of better things." He told us before he left that day, that she would only be with us another fortnight.

CHAPTER IX.

Nearer Home.

"Happy, still in God confiding,

Truthful, since in Christ abiding,

Holy, through the Spirit's guiding,

All must be well."

MARY BOWLY.

T was on Thursday, May 31st, towards evening,

IT

that we all observed a great change come over our darling. She had passed a comfortable night, and suffered comparatively little during the day. But she seemed much weaker, and slept constantly. Her nurse seemed to think a crisis had come, judging from various symptoms. To hope that this crisis could be a favourable one was impossible. So we only prayed more earnestly that her heavenly Father would make her last days, days of peace, and freedom from suffering; and "be with her" when she passed through the dark waters of Jordan."

The following fragments of conversation, &c., occurring about this time, are contributed by a sister.

"On one occasion I was performing my privileged office of reading to her before going to bed, when she said thoughtfully, 'Can you find me a verse, dear A which says that God will forgive us our sins for Jesus Christ's sake?'

"I at once repeated many texts, such as, "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin;' 'Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners ;' and others. She did not seem satisfied; and said, 'Oh! I know all those; they are very beautiful, but they are not exactly what I mean: I hoped there was a text which said, 'God will forgive our sins, for Jesus Christ's sake."

"I thought for a few moments, but could not recall one exactly to the point. So she said, 'Never mind, don't trouble yourself, dear; perhaps there isn't one.'

"Suddenly the words came into my mind, 'Even as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven you.' I was so rejoiced to see her glad satisfied expression, as she said, 'Thank you! that will do beautifully.'

"Another evening, on my asking her what I should read to her, her mother suggested that I should choose the 19th of St John, or some account of the Saviour's

sufferings. I had rather hear some of the promises,' she answered meekly.

"She was scrupulously particular that her Bible should always be used with the utmost care, and treated with marked reverence. One night I was sleeping in her room: and, on observing her to be restless, and trying to raise herself on her elbow, that she might see across the room, I asked her if she wanted anything. Oh, never mind,' she answered; I only fancied I remembered seeing some one lay something on my Bible; and I never like anything to be put on a Bible, but the Prayer-book; I don't mind that.' I immediately got up; and found a little Tract had been laid upon the precious book. She was full of sorrow that I should have been disturbed, saying it was a very foolish fancy of hers. However, the removal of the Tract, and the placing of her little Bible in its accustomed corner, set her mind at rest at once.

"I was once present during a conversation between Gertrude and her mother on the holiness and purity of God, and the blackness of man's guilt in His sight whose name is holy. Gertrude's clear and matured ideas on this subject, and the easy and beautiful manner in which she expressed them, struck me most forcibly; as well as her numerous and apt quotations

from holy Scripture. It was marvellous in one so young. I wish I could remember this conversation sufficiently accurately to detail it; but I dare not attempt it."

The last week in May we thought would be the last our Gertrude would spend on earth. Her precious life seemed fast ebbing away. Oh, how we hung on every word that fell from those lips that would soon be sealed to us for ever! We almost counted them. It was such a privilege to sit at her feet, and learn of that young child some of the Spirit's holy teachings. We felt that all her family should be round her, and watch to the last that treasured face. Her eldest brother was therefore sent for. And we hoped the presence of a clergyman, more especially since that clergyman was her brother, might be a comfort and pleasure to her; though she seemed to need neither comfort nor counsel, so entirely was the Holy Ghost her guide and comforter. Her mother often asked her, after her dying state had been made known to her, whether she would not wish to see a clergyman; but she always seemed to shrink from it, replying sweetly, "No, darling Mama, I had rather not: I like to think on things as you have taught me: your way is so clear and simple. I am afraid a clergyman might put