But from these thoughts, my mind was soon turned by the illness of my oldest daughter.
After a lingering sickness of many weeks, she died.

It seemed almost impossible to arouse myself from the stunning effects of this blow.

It crushed me down more than any previous sorrow, for it fell upon a heart weakened by pain.

It was many months before the discipline of this affliction awakened me to thoughts of a higher life.

Then I began to rise into serener heights--to see as by an interior vision, to believe that even our saddest things may fall upon us in mercy.
"Finally, circumstances of which I need not speak, made me resolve to leave England, and under legal advice of the highest authority, take quiet possession of this estate, which is mine." Mrs.Montgomery ceased speaking.
"Perhaps," she resumed, after a moment, "it may be as well, all things considered, that you do not speak of this for the present.