112 
THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
the storm of disaster followed them to their 
new home. While engaged one night in spear¬ 
ing fish on the lake the husband was thrown 
from the boat and drowned. Mrs. Farley was 
thus left almost alone to battle with the world. 
She had little physical ability to bear even its 
ordinary burdens, but now was left with two 
children wholly dependent upon the united ex¬ 
ertions of herself and her elder daughter, the 
latter being the main reliance. But, alas! this 
help was soon to be taken away and leave them 
to almost total want. From over-exertion and 
exposure the daughter, who possessed but a frail 
constitution at best, was prostrated by an attack 
of sickness severe and protracted. Though life 
was spared, yet from want of careful attention 
and suitable nourishment she was left an almost 
helpless invalid. A spinal affection made it im¬ 
possible to walk, and confined her to her bed, 
with the occasional relief of being propped up 
m a chair with pillows. In most instances such 
multiplied afflictions would have produced a 
hopeless despondency, and the poorhouse would 
have been the refuge of the attending helpless¬ 
ness; but in the case of Mrs. Farley and her 
daughter an unshaken faith in the promise that 
