CHAPTER IX.
"Heaven oft in mercy smites, e'en when the blow Severest is." JOANNA BAILLIE'S ORRA.
"The heart knoweth his own bitterness." PROV.

14:10.
But only a few days after Mrs.Travilla's visit, an event occurred, which, by exciting Elsie's sympathy for the sorrows of another, and thus preventing her from dwelling so constantly upon her own, was of great benefit to her.
Adelaide received a letter bringing tidings of the death of one who had been very dear to her.

The blow was very sudden--entirely unexpected--and the poor girl was overwhelmed with grief, made all the harder to endure by the want of sympathy in her family.
Her parents had indeed given their consent to the contemplated union, but because the gentleman, though honorable, intelligent, educated and talented, was neither rich nor high-born, they had never very heartily approved of the connection, and were evidently rather relieved than afflicted by his death.
Elsie was the only one who really felt deeply for her aunt; and her silent, unobtrusive sympathy was very grateful.
The little girl seemed almost to forget her own sorrows, for the time, in trying to relieve those of her bereaved aunt.

Elsie knew--and this made her sympathy far deeper and more heartfelt--that Adelaide had no consolation in her sore distress, but such miserable comfort as may be found in the things of earth.

She had no compassionate Saviour to whom to carry her sorrows, but must bear them all alone; and while Elsie was permitted to walk in the light of his countenance, and to her ear there ever came the soft whispers of his love--"Fear not: thou art mine"-- "_I_ have loved thee with an _everlasting_ love"-- "_I_ will _never_ leave thee nor forsake thee," to Adelaide all was darkness and silence.
At first Elsie's sympathy was shown in various little kind offices; sitting for hours beside her aunt's couch, gently fanning her, handing her a drink of cold water, bringing her sweet-scented flowers, and anticipating every want.