Could I but think I might return to them, the pang of leaving would lose one half its bitterness.

I know this is a weak and perhaps sinful feeling; but in vain I have lately striven to bow resignedly to my Maker's will, even should His call meet me, as I sometimes fear it will, in a foreign land, apart from all, save one, whom I love on earth." "Do not, do not think so, dearest Mary.

True, indeed, there is no parting without its fears, even for a week, a day, an hour.

Death ever hovers near us, to descend when least expected.

But oh, for my sake, Mary, dear Mary, talk not of dying in a foreign land.