I tell you, madam,
my dear friend, one of the most estimable and brilliant men of his
day, was an utter wreck, both in mind and body, through the cruel
machinations of an unprincipled woman. How much was to the
actual injury from his wound, how much to grief and remorse, Heaven
only knows, but the death of his brother, who alone had authority
with him, left him thus to cut himself off entirely in this utter
darkness and despair. I called at first monthly, then yearly, after
the melancholy catastrophe, and held many consultations with good
Mr. Wayland, but all in vain. It was reserved for your sweet notes
to awaken and recall him to what I trust is indeed new life."
Tears filled Aurelia's eyes, and she could only murmur something
about being very glad.
"Yes," pursued Dr. Godfrey, "it is as if I saw him rising from his
living tomb in all senses of the word. I find that your artless
Sunday evening conversations have even penetrated the inner hopeless
gloom, still more grievous than the outer darkness in which he lived."
"Indeed, sir, I never meant to be presumptuous."
"God's blessing on such presumption, my good child! If you had been
fully aware of his state of mind, you might never have ventured nor
have touched the sealed heart, as you have done, as I perceive, in
your ignorance, out of your obedient reverence to the Lord's day.
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