He seemed to be groping his way, to have lost all plan of daily life, so tremendous was the change involved in the withdrawal of this perpetual burden.

Just as he was beginning to recover the natural tone of his mind, and to resume his old habits of work, his son sickened and died.

The young man had never been strong: he had inherited his mother's delicacy of constitution, and her nervous excitability as well; but he had rare qualities of mind, and gave great promise as a scholar.

The news of his death was a blow to every heart that loved his father.

"This will kill the Parson," was said by sorrowing voices far and near.