132 A Walk from 



An affecting coincidence also marked the departure of 

 his beloved wife. She left on the birthday of her 

 eldest son, who had intended to make the anniversary 

 the dating-day of domestic happiness, by choosing it 

 for his marriage. 



A few facts will suffice for the history of the closing 

 scene. About the middle of October, 1862, Mrs. Webb, 

 whose health seemed failing, went to visit her brother, 

 Henry Marshall, Esq., residing in Cambridge. Here 

 she suddenly became much worse, and the prospect of 

 her recovery more and more doubtful. Mr. Webb was 

 with her immediately on the first unfavorable turn of 

 her illness, together with other members of the family. 

 When he realised her danger, and the hope of her 

 surviving broke down with him, his physical constitu- 

 tion succumbed under the impending blow, and two 

 days before her death, he was prostrated by a nervous 

 fever, from which he never rallied, but died on the 10th 

 of November. Although the great visitation was too 

 heavy for his flesh and blood to bear, his spirit was 

 strengthened to drink this last cup of earthly trial 

 with beautiful serenity and submission. It was strong 

 enough to make his quivering lips to say, in distinct 

 and audible utterance, and his closing eyes to pledge 

 the truth and depth of the sentiment, " Thy will be 

 done ! " One who stood over him in these last 



