"It is a slow thing, the doctor tells me, it will take some time to run its course." Elsie could scarce endure the anguish in her husband's face.

Silently she placed herself by his side, her arm about his neck, and laid her cheek to his.
He drew her yet closer, the other arm still embracing his mother.

"Are you suffering much, dearest mother ?" "Not more than He giveth me strength to bear; and His consolations are not small.
"My dear children, I have tried to hide this from you lest it should mar your happiness.

Do not let it do so; it is no cause of regret to me.

I have lived my three-score years and ten, and if by reason of strength they should be four-score, yet would their strength be labor and sorrow.