1859. NEARING HOME. 487 



peculiar and distressing restlessness returned. The senses were 

 preternaturally acute, that especially of smelling, perfumes of 

 any kind being unbearable. The only soothing offices were a 

 continual change in the position of the pillows, and bathing face 

 and hands with vinegar. His hands had been remarkable for a 

 rare beauty in the rich carmine tinting the palms, and contrasting 

 with the pure white skin. " Your hands seem on fire," had been 

 said to him once ; and much admiration had they elicited. Now 

 it was observed while bathing them that the delicate palms and 

 nails were black. To one so conversant as he with such symp- 

 toms, this was an unmistakable token, had there been any doubt 

 before, that the pitcher was broken at the fountain, and the 

 spirit summoned to return to Him who gave it. Still not till 

 the second medical visit in the afternoon was hope quenched in 

 others, and a telegraphic message sent to Dr. Cairns. George 

 expressed desire to converse with Dr. Duncan, but said he could 

 not from the difficulty in breathing. 



In the afternoon he asked his sister to read the ' Athenaeum' 

 to him, saying, " You know I always read it from beginning to 

 end :" while listening, occasional remarks showed that he clearly 

 understood what he heard. He surprised her by saying abruptly, 

 " The room will be darkened at nine ; I wish to get to rest." 

 She believed this implied being quiet for the night, and replied, 

 with many wondering thoughts, " Very well." 



Occasionally an inquiry was made as to the hour, with some 

 reference to this " getting to rest." About six o'clock the 23d 

 Psalm was read at his request, and then some detached verses, 

 " When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee ; 

 and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee : when thou 

 walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned ; neither shall 

 the flame kindle upon thee, for I am the Lord thy God, the 

 Holy One of Israel thy Saviour." 



" Fear thou not, for I am with thee : be not dismayed, for I 

 am thy God : I will strengthen thee ; yea, I will help thee ; 

 yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteous- 

 ness." 



" Let not your heart be troubled : ye believe in God, believe 

 also in me. 



