On reaching Liverpool, Gertrude lost no time in starting for the south of France where they proposed to pass the month of May. So far the effect of the journey had been beneficial; and Gertrude's first letter home was full of encouragement. Marion had engaged to keep a journal, in which every saying of Master Paul should be recorded. As Gertrude was closing her letter to her friend she turned to her brother with the inquiry: "Do you wish to send a message?" "Enclose this," he answered, giving her a sealed envelope addressed to Dr. Gilbert. Without a suspicion that her brother had at last gained courage to ask for the hand of her friend, in case his health should be restored, Gertrude answered, "I thought you settled all business with him the week before we left." Remaining in Paris only one week in order to receive letters forwarded there; they proceeded to Nice, where they soon found the salubrious air was restoring vigor to the enfeebled frame. With her usual energy Gertrude devoted herself to the care of her brother. She walked with him; drove him in the easy carriage she had hired; sung his favorite songs; read the books he loved best; more than all, talked by the hour of home and Marion. How rejoiced she was during all these days that the tie of Christian love rendered their natural relationship more enduring. Even though this change of climate, from which they hoped so much, should end in disappointment, she rested her hopes for him on the Saviour's promise, "'Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.'" She knew her brother had learned to pray; and she believed that his consecration of himself and all that he had to his crucified Redeemer had been accepted. Nothing short of this would have supported him in the prospect of death, and given him such acquiescence in the will of his heavenly Father. Now that she knew the state of his affection toward Marion, she sometimes regretted that the marriage had not taken place at once; and then the wife could have accompanied him abroad; but she did not think it wise to produce useless regret in her brother's mind by such a suggestion. In June they went to Switzerland; and Edward had so far regained his health as to join a party, who were intending to ascend some heights in the Alps. News from home came regularly to hand, through their banker in Paris; and news from the travellers gladdened many hearts in the quiet village. October found them settled in Rome for the winter. Edward who was now quite able to relieve his sister of care, hired a beautiful villa, on the banks of the Tiber; and every fine day a little pleasure boat could be seen shooting out from the tiny wharf, carrying the elegant Americans.