232 



few years, as to go from the city and die of poverty in a few 

 weeks." 



" Nonsense ! man ; you are sick, and hardly know what 

 you are saying. The idea of a man of your education want- 

 ing for support anywhere ! Take my advice, seek some 

 out-of-door employment, farming, surveying, anything 

 that will keep you out under the open sky and in the fresh 

 air." 



To this there was no reply save a gloomy shake of the 

 head. Then the doctor bade us good-day. As I opened 

 the door to let him out, he said to me, " Mrs. Nelson, 

 there is but one thing to be done. Take your husband 

 away from the city, and keep him away ; that is, if you 

 wish to see him live." 



Next morning the letter-carrier brought a black-bordered 

 letter for my husband. I gave it to him, and he broke 

 the seal and read it. It did not seem to interest him much, 

 for he merely said, " Old Uncle Jacob is dead. Poor 

 man ! his was a dull and lonely life up there at Arenac. 

 It must be almost a relief to be taken away, and to join his 

 long-dead wife and children." Then he continued his 

 reading. Soon he came to something interesting, for he 

 brightened up, and with a smile passed the letter to 

 me. 



It was as follows : 



