192 Edward Livingston Youmans. 



replied at once and decisively to that, and I think it greatly 

 composed her. Indeed, I am well persuaded that this first 

 practical trial of her theology shows it to have utterly lost 

 its power. She quickly recovered her entire self-posses- 

 sion, and, although deeply saddened by the affliction, she is 

 quite herself again. Zella,* of course, felt very badly, but, 

 poor child, she could not realize the event. The destroy- 

 ing angel has passed over our house, and one of our family 

 has disappeared from the scene ; the rest remain as before, 

 preserving the courses that each must follow for himself. 

 I am again at work preparing my lectures, which I think 

 of illustrating somewhat, and hope to get Millicent to make 

 my diagrams. The work is much advanced outside corn 

 husked, potatoes safe only the turnips to secure. The 

 weather is quite cold and blustering ; to-day is pleasanter, 

 but the time of bleak and rasping winds has come. I had 

 almost forgotten to say that we received your long, wel- 

 come, and satisfactory letter of October 26. last Thursday. 

 I have no time to comment on it now, nor is it needful. I 

 am very glad that events so shaped themselves that you 

 can continue in your place, as it has many advantages. 

 Your opportunity is a golden one, and I know you will 

 improve it. Let nothing disturb you. Ma's chief trouble 

 in our late affliction is fearing its effect upon you, for you 

 are more constantly in her thoughts than any other. It 

 was a sore disappointment that you did not return ; but 

 as soon as she understood the circumstances she cheer- 

 fully acquiesced in the course adopted. I am most happy 

 that we are at home now. 



Very affectionately, EDWARD. 



The brother (William Jay Youmans) and the sister 

 were busily occupied in London, he studying physi- 



* Warren's daughter by his first wife. She had lived with her grand- 

 parents since her babyhood. 



