Lay by that truth in lavender, Sweetest, and remind me of it when I fail.

I am writing warmly and fondly, but not without good cause.

First, your own affectionate letter, lately received; next, the remembrance of our dear children, pledges--what darling ones!--of our old familiar love; then, a delicious impulse to pour out the overflowings of my heart into yours; and last, not least, the knowledge that your dear eyes will read what my hand is now writing.

Perhaps there is an afterthought that, whatever may befall me, the wife of my bosom will have the acknowledgment of her tenderness, worth, excellence--all that is wifely or womanly, from my pen." In another letter, also written to his wife during a brief absence, there is a natural touch, showing his deep affection for her: "I went and retraced our walk in the park, and sat down on the same seat, and felt happier and better." But not only was Mrs.Hood a consoler, she was also a helper of her husband in his special work.

He had such confidence in her judgment, that he read, and re-read, and corrected with her assistance all that he wrote.