dark!’ But now he is remarkably well pleased with it, and the more he looks at it the better he likes it. * * * I pray you, do not be troubled about the doctor; he is, thank heaven, well and in good spirits. For the first two days he was much depressed respecting his father’s death, but has now recovered his usual vivacity.” When, in the following year, Luther’s pious mother was attacked with a dangerous sickness and his numerous engagements did not allow him to visit her, he wrote her a consolatory letter, the conclusion of which expresses in a very striking manner the cordial affection which Catharine and her children entertained for this excellent woman. “My wife and children are praying for you. They weep and say, ‘Grandmother is very sick.’” She also died, to Luther’s most profound regret, on June 30, 1531. It was not only in seasons of affliction and distress that Catharine deeply sympathized with her husband. In times of prosperity and rejoicing she equally displayed her interest, and was ever proud of his growing reputation and of the honors conferred on him. These are proofs sufficient that their matrimonial life was happy; yet the foulest slanders were heaped upon them by the enemies of the cause of which Luther was now the acknowledged champion. Luther awarded to his wife the praise of unconditional obedience, and agreeably to the custom of the times she always saluted him as _Herr Doctor_. During the first years of his matrimonial life particularly, when he had recovered from his attacks of melancholy, and his general health had improved, he was almost always in excellent spirits. He treated his domestics in the kindest manner, and his whole household was conducted in a way which contributed to the happiness of every member. He acceded to Catharine’s supreme control over the affairs of the family, and never interfered, except when he deemed it absolutely necessary. He often playfully addressed her as _Mrs. Doctor and Professoress_, and sometimes as _Master Catharine_. All the world knew that this was but the outpouring of a sportive disposition and an affectionate heart. CHAPTER V. Income—Expenses—Hospitality—Charity—Diet—Afflictions—Despondency— Journeys—Death.