I can give you no adequate view of what my feelings are, indeed they are a burden too heavy for me and I cannot describe them.

I look on my right and left hand and find no comfort, and if it were not for the rock that is higher than I my spirit would utterly fall, but blessed be His name who can comfort those that are cast down.

O for more faith in His supporting grace in this hour of trial.' Then she is 'on the mend,' she may 'thole thro'' if they take great care of her, 'which we will be forward to do.' The fourth child dies when but a few weeks old, and the next at two years.

She was her grandfather's companion, and thus he wrote of her death, this stern, self-educated Auld Licht with the chapped hands:-- 'I hope you received my last in which I spoke of Dear little Lydia being unwell.

Now with deep sorrow I must tell you that yesterday I assisted in laying her dear remains in the lonely grave.