1 837-38- UNSELFISHNESS OF NATURE. 47 



have succeeded in raising his spirits above their former 

 most melancholy state, without in any degree swerving 

 from the truth. But to my sister I can be of little use, 

 and to my brother and poor Brown not only of none, but 

 an anxious, passive, not even spectator, but most anxious 

 listener, depending on letters for the increase or removal of 

 my sorrows. I don't much crave sympathy, and my brother 

 Daniel would suffice of my own sex ; but I've lost him, and 

 it's a terribly awkward way of exchanging feelings, the post. 

 I would I had one dear lady, either beside me or in corre- 

 spondence, but I am denied so great a privilege, and must 

 e'en feed, as best I can, on my own thoughts, for friends 

 of either sex I have scarcely any to share them with me. 

 What poor will do, I don't know ; it's a most melan- 

 choly situation, suspense is so agonizing ; . . . and the risk 

 of infection makes it impossible for my sister Mary to call 

 there. The fortnight that's to elapse before more news 

 come, how wearisome and long to all of us ! Could it but 

 be annihilated ! I shall exist in most troubled suspense." 



Reference is made in the above extract to the illness of 

 a sister. During that illness, George's unselfish devotion as a 

 brother was beautifully displayed. Whatever his own sorrows 

 and disappointments, at some of which even his most 

 intimate friends can but dimly guess, he was able to put 

 them aside, and assume the most hearty mirth, if others 

 were cast down. When the infectious nature of his sister's 

 illness kept almost all aloof from her, he would not be 

 restrained from trying to cheer the little invalid. The 

 evening-time that brought him home was eagerly longed 

 for, and when her eyes were sealed up from the effects of 

 the disease, and a ray of light was unbearable, this good 

 brother sat outside the chamber door, with a candle so 

 placed, that no light could enter the room, and for hour 



