At times the thought of the maelstrom of woe into which I am plunged, has well nigh driven me to madness.

My brain has seemed on fire, and the shrieks of the maniac would have been heard resounding through the walls of this room, but my children would come before me, and the light of reason would again return.

But for their sake I should welcome death as a precious boon.

Life has but every charm for me.

In the pale and alternated woman before you, none could recognize a once happy wife.
Oh, sir!" she continued, with energy; "believe me when I tell you that for my children's sake alone, I now appeal.