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.
If I can be of any assistance to you, let me know it, and I will help
you as far as I am able.
In the meantime, cheer up, and believe me as ever,
Yours sincerely,
JAMES STERLING.
H. R. DRAYTON,
Covington, Ky.
[Illustration: “SHE ENTERED ON UNTROUBLED REST.”]