Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/245

Rh A few days later, Dr. Cuyler called, and had a most delightful talk with his aged friend, whom he described as dwelling in the land of Beulah.

On his birthday and all through his sickness, he greatly enjoyed the beautiful flowers that were sent him, and his grandchildren loved to bring them to him and witness the look of pleasure that spread over his face as he received them. He had always been very fond of flowers, and as he walked the street in his days of health, he would stop before the florists’ windows and rejoice that there were so many more of them than there used to be to delight the passer by. Often he would quote from Milton’s Lycidas the description of the flowers brought

and remark that “the glowing violet” had a line all to itself. When some one reminded him of the enormous sums spent on floral decorations, so perishable in their nature, he said, “It is certainly a very different extravagance from that which squanders money on cigars and whiskey.”

His love of conversation continued strong to the last. He indulged in lively reminiscences of his past days. On the last Sunday, December 15, in which he was able to converse. one of his grandsons who sat beside him drew him on to speak of many of the prominent men and women whom he had known, and at last said, “Grandfather, whom do you consider the most remarkable person you ever knew?” He turned to him with a bright look, and said earnestly, “My wife.” The true and tender heart beat faithfully for her alone, until death stilled it.

As Christmas approached, he remembered his