I was so late in returning from the meetings at Oahe, though I hurried
as fast as possible, that the river was frozen, detaining us nearly
three weeks. The ice broke, letting the wagon with all my winter
supplies go down. My trunks with all my clothing also went down. It
wholly ruined all the clothing which could not be washed. My best dress
was a frozen block of ice when I took it out--can never be worn again,
and, in fact, all my clothes were ice. I was so thankful that no lives
were lost that it hardly seems worth speaking of. I find myself poorer,
if not wiser. I am worked down at present. Have kept "open house" now
for two weeks, and my head refuses to be worked any further. Miss
Emerson must wait for my letter. After Christmas I can write. I have so
many patients, and so much work to take care of spoiled clothes and
provisions, and to look out for winter supplies again, that I am not in
a condition to write.

* * * * *


FOR THE CHILDREN.

A few weeks ago, I stood by my window watching the children gathering
for school. My attention was attracted to three girls coming up the
street, one carrying a bundle done up in a handkerchief in one hand and
books in the other, while the other two carried a trunk between them. As
they turned toward the house, I ran down to meet them; they came with
smiles, saying they had come to school. As I bade them welcome, my eyes
filled with tears, and a prayer went up to God that he would bless those
girls and make them a blessing. Susan, Angeline and Emma have proved to
be intelligent, pleasant girls and very appreciative.