Prayer calms the spirit. Realization and acknowledgment of sin soothes the soul.
Reagan could now read the letter without difficulty. His spectacles did not need wiping again. It was dated,
"Near Katona, Westchester County, New York.
"Dear Father and Mother:"I am coming home to kiss you both. I don't know but I shall kiss Tom, for he has written me all about it—I know it all—I know how you was brought in, and how you took the pledge, and how you have kept it, and how industrious you have been, and how you have saved your money, and how you want to go to housekeeping again, and all about it—I know it all. Tom writes me every week. He is a good boy. Well, in two months I am coming down. You need not look for me before, and then, if you want me, I will come and live with you."
"If we want her! Did you ever hear the like? But, then, what is she to do? She is a big girl now, and must not be idle. I wish she had a trade. Every child ought to have a trade."
"Well, well, wife, let us have the balance of the letter."
"Yes, yes, go on; you need not mind what I say. Go on."
"Let me see; where was I? 'Come and live with you,' that's it."
"And now I must tell you such a piece of news—good news. Oh, it was a good thing I came up here. I have got a trade—a trade that will support us all when you get so you cannot work."
"Heaven bless the girl, what is it?"
"Do wait, wife, and you shall hear."