Let this cup pass:- and yet, Thou heavenly One,
Thy will in all things, not mine own, be done."
Rising, I went upon my way, receiving
The strength prayer gives alway to hearts believing.
I felt that unseen hands were leading me,
And knew the end was peace.

"What! are you up?"
Cried Helen, coming with a tray, and cup,
Of tender toast and fragrant, smoking tea.
"You naughty girl! you should have stayed in bed
Until you ate your breakfast, and were better;
I've something hidden for you here--a letter.
But drink your tea before you read it, dear!
'Tis from some distant cousin, auntie said,
And so you need not hurry. Now be good,
And mind your Helen."

So, in passive mood,
I laid the still unopened letter near,
And loitered at my breakfast more to please
My nurse, than any hunger to appease.
Then listlessly I broke the seal and read
The few lines written in a bold free hand:
"New London, Canada. Dear Coz. Maurine!
(In spite of generations stretched between
Our natural right to that most handy claim
Of cousinship, we'll use it all the same)
I'm coming to see you! honestly, in truth!
I've threatened often--now I mean to act;