dearly. Ever since his illness at Geneva, I have from time to time
contemplated the utter blank, the real feeling of loss, which
anything happening to him would bring with it, and the having it
brought home close to me in this way quite upset me, as it well
might. I pray God that no ill effects may follow, and from what you
say I apprehend none. I have often thought that it is much better
when two brothers propose to themselves different objects in life,
and pursue them with tastes dissimilar on unimportant matters. They
act better upon one another; just as I look to Jem, as I have more
than once told him, to give me a hint when he sees a want of common
sense in anything I take up, because I know I act a good deal from
impulse, and take an interest in many things which are perhaps not
worth the time I spend on them. It is a mercy that I hope I shall
never forget, never cease to be thankful for. Many and many a time,
if it please God, I shall look to him in difficulties, and remember
how nearly once he was lost to me. I can get away with the greatest
ease for a few days on Thursday if desirable, and perhaps old Jem
will feel low after this, when you have left him. I think this very
likely, from what I know of him, and if you think it too, without
asking him if he would like it, I will come up for some other reason.
You will not go, I know, unless he is perfectly well; but he might,
and I think would, like to have some one with him just at first. Let
me know what you think.

'Good-bye, my dearest father.

'Ever your affectionate and dutiful son,

'J. C. PATTESON.'