"_August 8._--It is inexpressibly touching to me how Mother now
seems to have an insight into my past feelings which she never had
before, and to understand and sympathise with childish sufferings
which she never perceived at the time, or from which she would have
turned aside if she had perceived them. To-day, after her dinner,
she said most touchingly, watching till every one went away and
calling me close to her pillow--'I want to make my confession to
you, darling. I often feel I have never been half tender enough to
you. I feel it now, and I should like you to know it. You are such
a comfort and blessing to me, dearest, and I thought perhaps I
might die suddenly, and never have told you so. I cannot bear your
being tied here, and yet I do not know how I could do without you,
you are so great a blessing to me.'