Even in that short time the desert places of home began to put forth leaves, and to give promise of sweet buds and blossoms; and the grieving mother felt that out of this great sorrow was to come forth joy.

Alas! that even a hope so full of sadness should be doomed to disappointment.

In a moment of temptation her husband fell, and fell into a lower deep.

Then, with more rapid steps the downward road was traversed.

Five more years of sorrow sufficed to do the work of suffering and degradation.