1844 54. A CHILD- WIFE. 383 



privilege to have George Wilson for a day or two as our guest. 

 We had not known him previously ; but, as was his wont, he 

 glided at once into the warmest comer of our hearts, and ever 

 after kept his place. The secret of his influence was love, and 

 the knowledge that even in its happy interchange ' it is more 

 blessed to give than to receive/ 



" He was especially attracted by our little Lucy, a child of 

 four years, whose winning ways and bright intelligence delighted 

 and surprised him. She met his advances cordially, and from 

 that time he always called her his betrothed. 



" The intellect, then prematurely developed, continued to 

 brighten and apparently to strengthen, for a year or two, cul- 

 minated at the age of six, and then, under the clouding influ- 

 ence of brain disease, waned gradually, and before dear Lucy 

 had attained her seventh birthday, had touched the western 

 horizon, where, though speechless, it still faintly glimmers, and 

 where we trust it will continue to do so, till it sinks into the 

 light of heaven. 



" George Wilson, as all who knew him will readily believe, 

 became ever more and more tenderly interested in his afflicted 

 bride; and we do not think that any more striking evidence 

 could be presented, at once of the deep humanity of his nature, 

 and of the spirituality which through grace he had attained, than 

 the following quotation from a letter which he wrote after hear- 

 ing read some memoranda w T hich had been made by a faithful 

 attendant of poor Lucy, of sayings well worthy to be remem- 

 bered :"-- 



" May 16, 1859. 



" I was deeply touched by the memorials of dear, gentle, 

 blessed Lucy, you read me to-day, but had not the courage to 

 ask you for a copy. To-night, however, on trying to recall her 

 words, I find I can do so very imperfectly, and I would feel 

 deeply grateful if you granted me a transcript. It should be 

 very sacred in my eyes. Lucy is to me so truly an object of 

 affection, and now, in addition, so much an example of the 

 blessed Saviour's special love, that I would very highly prize 

 what I ask. Unless you have a great objection, do grant this 

 desire of my heart. 



