My only brother! dwell not with strangers! A sister's arms are ready to clasp you:--a sister's sympathy must lighten the load of your sufferings.
Think of your conduct! your devotedness! Should not these comfort you?
Did you not love and cherish him? did you not--happier than I--soothe his last days? were you not present to the end?
From this moment, I shall count each hour that divides us.
On my knees both night and morning, will I pray the Almighty God, who has chastened us, to protect my brother in his travels by sea and land.
May we be spared, my dearest Henry, to pray together, that HE may bestow on us present resignation, and make us duly thankful for blessings which still are ours.
Your affectionate sister,
Emily.
Delmé read the letter with tearless eye. For some time he leant his head on his hand, and thought of his sister, and of the dead.
He shook, and laughed wildly, as he beat his hand convulsively against the wall.