veranda.

This was directed to Calhoun, sent from Philadelphia by their uncle Edward
Allison. He and Adelaide would be with Mrs. Conly in two hours, telegraph
at once in what condition they found her, and if practicable start with
her immediately for her home.

The brothers consulted together, and Arthur decided to go on with his
preparations, but delay setting out upon his journey until the coming of
the promised message.

It came in due time, and from it they learned that their mother was
already on her way home.

The sad tidings had now to be communicated to the other near relatives,
but it was deemed best to keep them from the younger children and the
feeble old father until the day when she might be expected to arrive.

As gently and tenderly as possible the old gentleman's son broke the news
to him.

He was much overcome. "She will never get over it, I fear," he sighed, the
tears coursing down his furrowed cheeks. "One bereavement is apt to tread
closely upon the heels of another, and she will probably soon follow her
sister. But oh if I only knew that she had been washed from her sins in
the precious blood of Christ, that she had accepted His invitation, 'Come
unto me,' so that death would be but falling asleep in Him, safe in His
arms, safe on His gentle breast--I think I could let her go almost
willingly, for my race is well nigh run, and it can hardly be long ere I
too shall get my summons home."