Richard Forrest, Bachelor — page 48: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

“GOOD-BY, BEST AND KINDEST SISTER.” 39 household well beloved by him. His mild nature and un- worldly thoughts could not grasp the situation fully, and he only realized that he had a task before him which might tax his powers to the utmost, but never for an in- stant did he doubt his ability, with the help of a higher power, to succeed in the end. The fact that Rose might have been speaking from actual conviction never entered his head, and he firmly believed that in time, when the keenness of the blow had worn off, she would listen to rea- son and his teachings as willingly as ever. ‘All will yet come right,’’ he soliloquized, as he made his way down the graveled path to the gate; it must, with courage and patience on my part, but it is shocking to hear this girl, who devoted herself so entirely to her religion a short month ago, and who was a bright and shining light in the church, express such sentiments. Her sorrow has turned her brain. God grant that this affliction may not prove beyond her strength to bear and so prove a curse in- stead of a blessing.’’ And with bowed head and thoughtful mien, he turned down the hard, frozen road which led to his house. (©) Eomichbooks