made my life richer. I especially remember amongst these one man—Professor Amiel—and one woman, whose name I will not mention—but this, however, I will say, that more refreshing to me than the song of the nightingale, was my intercourse with that spirit which glanced around with such freshness and freedom, with that heart which devoted itself so entirely, so fully, to the work of the joy-giver and the comforter. It is this heart, rich in love, this soul with its clear power of organized activity, that Geneva has to thank for the new impulse which has been given of late years to her youthful female population of all classes, in the good work of progress and Christian activity.
We read aloud in the evenings,—Louise's and
Mary's fresh, youthful voices, making the reading
doubly agreeable. The two young sisters had each
their own peculiar gifts, with which they beautified
life for themselves and others. I read much with
Louise, and we made long excursions together. I
made acquaintance with the great Swiss naturalists,
Haller and Bounnet, through their writings and
correspondence; for these two scientific men were friends,
and were united, not merely by science, but by
religious convictions. It is very interesting to notice,
in their letters, during Haller's long, last sickness, the
observations which both of them make on the power
of prayer. They analyse it as it were a natural
production.
“It allays my sufferings,” writes Haller; “it gives me rest during my sleepless nights, and peace in the bosom of an infinitely loving Father.”
