1838-39. SUMMONED HOME IN HASTE. 189 



and dull everything seems ; I have had nothing but disappoint- 

 ments, cruel disappointments, all winter, and you have had 

 disease and death for your portion. 



"Poor B L . She was a noble, lovable creature, and 

 since you first wrote of her illness, I have ever hoped bravely 

 that she would recover ; but Mary's last letter has extinguished 

 all hope, and left me nothing but a horrid apprehension of grief 

 spread through many families, and hearts wounded irrecover- 

 ably. She is ripe for the kingdom of heaven, and too good for 

 this world. I shall learn to think of her fate in this light, but 

 I cannot yet. Write soon, and let us know how her ailment 

 goes on. 



" Before I come home to you, I shall run into Kent for two 

 days, and snatch a look at the old cathedrals. 



" You are better, I am very glad to hear, and Mary is better, 

 and Jeanie and Jessie are well, all which things do greatly 

 gladden me, and enhance the pleasure with which I contemplate 

 my return. Meanwhile, I remain, your sincerely attached son, 



" GEORGE." 



His departure was unexpectedly hastened by intelligence of 

 Catherine's death. Though prepared in a measure for this sad 

 news, yet the brothers were taken by surprise ; so great is the 

 marvellous change from life to death, we can but very rarely 

 feel otherwise. All plans were cast aside, and George hastily 

 packed up his books and papers, bade good-bye to the friends 

 he had made in London, writing a special farewell to the friend 

 for whom the "Snowdrop" verses were written. Her society 

 and music had proved a pleasant relaxation from study, and he 

 begged her acceptance of his favourite guitar, never again re- 

 suming that instrument. Hastening to Edinburgh by way of 

 Liverpool, he reached it in time to bear a part in the last sad 

 rites with which his cousin's remains were committed to the 

 dust, in that hallowed spot, where now he and two others of the 

 group of mourners present on that April day are laid to rest. 



The first letter to Daniel after leaving him, tells us of his 

 journey and home-coming. 



