Page:Letters of Life.djvu/418

406 Increase the disposition and the means of liberality, and grant me wisdom in its distribution. Confirm and extend the demonstrations of affection and love, in which my whole nature rejoices; and continue to bless my household establishment with fidelity and affectionate zeal. Enable me to make progress in right feelings, and in the enjoyment of that happiness which rises above a changeful world.

"If this year, now smiling upon me with a snowy face, is to be mine till its close, may it manifestly transcend all its predecessors in usefulness, happiness, and true wisdom; and to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I yield myself in unswerving trust and allegiance, both now and forever."

A few days later, we find the entry: "Made very happy by making ninety little hearts beat lighter, having driven over to the Orphan Asylum, with nice little books, fruit, and cake, for each one. I thank my kind Father in Heaven for this blessing."

February.—"I never remember such perfect days as a few we have lately had. I drive out for an hour near the noon, to inhale the balmy atmosphere, and behold the bright sun."

March 3d.—"Enjoying great delight with a poem in blank verse. May it communicate the same to other hearts."

Thus cheerfully and hopefully passed the weeks, giving no token as yet that the end was near at hand. And now we begin to trace the commencement of her failing health. Just at the close of the winter she took a cold, apparently slight at first, but which became more serious, and marked by extreme physical prostration. Paroxysms of coughing ensued, almost like those in whooping-cough, which were followed by great exhaustion.