JUNE 27.-It was Raymond's turn to stay with me to-day. He opened his heart to me more freely than he had ever done before.
"Mamma," he began, "if papa is willing, I have made up my mind-that is to say if I get decently good-to go on a mission."
I said playfully:
"And mamma's consent is not to be asked?"
"No," he said, getting hold of what there is left of my hand. "I know you wouldn't say a word. Don't you remember telling me once when I was a little boy that I might go and welcome?"
"And don't you remember," I returned, "that you cried for joy, and then relieved your mind still farther by walking on your hands with your feet in the air?"
We both laughed heartily at this remembrance, and then I said:
"My dear boy, you know your fathers plan for you?"
"Yes, I know he expects me to study with him, and take his place in the world."
"And it is a very important place."