‘This is a solemn time for you, my Leila. I had reached the age of thirty before I ever looked upon that which is called death, in my own home. These events make the invisible world seem nearer. They should draw us upwards; they should bring us closer to our God.’
TO MRS. HAMILTON.
‘Dec. 12, 1867.
‘Most precious Laura,—When Lady Catherine L——‘s only son was called, she sank on her knees, and said,—“My child, I wish you joy!” so wonderfully was she enabled to realise the happiness, the ecstasy, of the freed spirit, rising up to the presence of her Saviour and God. Happy, happy Otho! No more to be pitied, but to be envied!
‘“O change, O wondrous change!
Burst are the prison bars,—
One moment past—how low
In mortal pangs,—and now
Beyond the stars!”
‘I will not write much to you now, darling. I am going to see your Freddie, but intend to tell him nothing.