not, from your strong faith in Him who "doeth all things wisely and well," you will be sustained and comforted by his own consolations, which are "neither few nor small."

The recollection of him who has so lately departed must be so full of painful regret, that I will not dwell on this dark side of the picture, but rather look to its brighter aspect, in the hope that he has gone to a happier sphere, and that what is loss to you is to him "unspeakable gain.”

I add no more but my fervent prayer that you may be divinely comforted in your sore trial, and be roused from your grief by claims of duty to those whose welfare demands your care and affection.. Believe me,

My dear Mrs. Jackson,

Your sympathizing friend,

TO MRS. MARY JACKSON, Bath, Me.

MARY GREGORY.

From a Lady to Another, an Invalid.

MONTAGUE ST., BROOKLYN, May 7th, 18-. DEAR MISS BOYLE,-I am truly grieved to hear of your continued indisposition, but trust you may speedily enjoy the return of your wonted health and energy. There is much consolation in the fact that your spirits are good, and that the illness does not affect any vital part; considering which, I have every confidence that, with God's blessing, the careful attentions of your friends will soon make your complete recovery a matter of certain and cordia! congratulation.

With kindest wishes and sympathy,

I am, dear Miss Boyle,

Yours ever sincerely,

AMELIA RUSSELL.

fo MISS CLARA BOYLE, New Haven, Ct.

On Failure in Business.

WEST FORTIETH ST., NEW YORK, May 22d, 18-. DEAR FRIEND,-I need not say how sorry I was to hear of your business difficulties. Yet I do not see in this turn of fortune any cause for despair. Persevering endeavors, with such help as you have a fair claim to expect, wil, I trust, soon put you in a train to retrieve your loss.

Failure is an unpleasant word, but after all it is a bugbear only to the weak-minded. There is no such thing as fail, to a resolute and energetic man. I regret your misfortune, but trust it will not impair your self-confidence. Certainly it will not impair the confidence reposed in you by your friends, among whom you may always number, Yours truly,

No.

GREEN ST., PHILADELPHIÄ, May 25th, 18-.

MY DEAR FRIEND,—A thousand thanks for your sympathy. I am down for the present, and need cheering words. But I don't despair, though I may be what the world calls ruined. Of this be certain, if effort can put me on my legs again, it shall not be wanting. I am now managing my affairs as best I can. The task is a gloomy one, but as soon as the wreck is cleared I shall feel easier. When I have entirely made up my mind what to do I will write you again. In the meantime I remain,

Yours truly,

WALTER DUNCAN.

TO HENRY CARTER, ESQ.,

No.

West Fortieth St., New York.

On a Sudden Reverse of Fortune.

HARTFORD, CT., Oct. 21st, 18—.'

DEAR FRIEND,-Hackneyed phrases of condolence never yet comforted a man in the hour of trouble, and I am not going to try their effect in your case. And yet let me say, in heartfelt earnest, that I was deeply pained to hear of your sudden and unexpected reverse of fortune. Misfortune is very hard to bear, when it falls upon one, like a flash of lightning from a clear sky, without any warning. But do not be discouraged. when Senator Benton saw the work of many years consumed in ten minutes, he took the matter coolly, went to work again, and lived long enough to repair the damage. So I hope will you. There is no motto like "try again," for those whom fate has stricken down. Besides, there are better things than wealth even in this world, to say nothing of the next, where we shall neither buy nor sell. Cheer up, and believe me as of old, Your friend,

TO MR. CHARLES SWAIN, Springfield, Mass.

Answer to the Above.

THOMAS HELPER.

SPRINGFIELD, MASS., Oct. 25th, 18-.

DEAR SIR,-The reverse to which you refer has indeed been a crushing one. It is a terrible thing to see one's whole fortune swept away as if by an avalanche. But I have one consolation in my calamity. It has shown me who are my true friends. Your cordial letter has put new life into me. I am grateful to you for your sympathy, and encouraged by your kind advice. The shock of my ill-luck has shaken, but it has not prostrated me, and although the road before me is all up-hill, I shall climb ít manfully. With kind regards to you and yours,

I remain, yours sincerely,

TO MR. THOMAS HELPER, Hartford, Ct.

CHARLES SWAIN.

PART VIII.-LOVE LETTERS.

Declaration of Affection.

Dear Miss: Will you allow

plain and simple words, respectfully to express the sincere esteem and affection I entertain for you, and to ask whether I venture to may hope that these sentiments are returned? I love you truly and earnestly, and knowing you ad: mire frankness and candor in all things. cannot think that you will take offense at this letter. Perhaps it is self-flattery to suppose I have any place in your regard. Should this 50, the error will carry with it its own pun= ishment, for my happy dream will be over. I will try to think otherwise, however, and shall await your answer with hope. Trust= ing soon to hear from you, I remain, dear

be

Miss,

Sincerely yours,
Henry Morland.

To Miss Maud Richardson,

No.- Green' St., Phila!

Favorable Reply.

GREEN ST., PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 15th, 19--.

DEAR SIR,-In the same spirit of frankness you have used in addressing me, I admit that among the gentlemen of my acquaintance there is none whom I esteem so highly as yourself. I must, however, have time to thin your letter over, and to look into my own heart before I give you a more decided answer. In the meantime I shall be happy to receive you as a friend for whom I have a very high regard. Yours truly,

MAUD RICHARDSON.

Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa.

Adverse Reply.

GREEN ST., PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 15th, 18—.

SIR,-I do not, of course, feel offended by your manly and respectful letter, but am compelled to say that I cannot respond to the affection you profess for me. I look upon you, and shall always look upon you as a friend, but not with that tender regard which can alone justify a young lady in receiving the addresses of an admirer.

Your sincere friend,

MAUD RICHARDSON.

TO HENRY MORLAND, ESQ.,

Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa.

To a Widow.

WEST TWENTY-THIRD ST., NEW YORK, Sept. 22d, 18—.

MY DEAR MADAM,-I am sure you are too clear sighted not to have observed the profound impression which your amiable qualities, intelligence and personal attractions have made upon my heart, and as you have not repelled