"This is what we might expect, who knew James, dear fellow!"
But when we knelt down to pray together, I saw how he was touched, and how his soul kindled within him in harmony with that consecrated, devoted spirit. Dear James! it must be mother's prayers that have done for him this wondrous work that is usually the slow growth of years; and this is the mother who prays for you, Katy! So take courage!
JAN. 2.-James means to study theology as well as medicine, it seems. That will keep him with us for some years. Oh, is it selfish to take this view of it? Alas, the spirit is willing to have him go, but the flesh is weak, and cries out.
OCT. 22.-Amelia came to see me to-day. She has been traveling, for her health, and certainly looks much improved.
"Charley and I are quite good friends again," she began. "We have jaunted about everywhere, and have a delightful time. What a snug little box of a house you have!"
"It is inconveniently small," I said, "for our family is large and the doctor needs more office room."
"Does he receive patients here? How horrid! Don't you hate to have people with all sorts of ills and aches in the house? It must depress your spirits."
"I dare say it would if I saw them; but I never do."
"I should like to see your children. Your husband says you are perfectly devoted to them."
"As I suppose all mothers are," I replied, laughing.