Ah, Mary dear," he proceeded, with, a wild and bitter manner, "I never thought that my love for you would make me say such words, or wish to feel you torn out of my breakin' heart; but I know how happy the change will be for you, as well as the sufferers you are lavin' behind you.

Death now is our only consolation." "It cannot be that God, who knows the kind and affectionate heart you have, an' ever had," replied his dying wife, "will neglect you and them long,"-- but she answered with difficulty.

"We were very happy," she proceeded, slowly, however, and with pain; "for, hard as the world was of late upon us, still we had love and affection among ourselves; and that, Jemmy, God in his goodness left us, blessed be his--his--holy name--an' sure it was betther than all he took from us.

I hope poor Alley will recover; she's now nearly a girl, an' will be able to take care of you and be a mother to the rest.

I feel that my tongue's gettin' wake; God bless you and them, an', above all, her--for she was our darlin' an' our life, especially yours.