THE HOME LIFE OF DR. MURPHREE 129

Gainesville, confirmed all of them. Mrs. Murphree regularly
taught a Sunday school class, and was quite as active a worker
in her church as her husband was in his.
 "Our home life was as ideal as could be wished for," was
the tribute paid her parents by the elder daughter, Alberta.
"Mother was a keen-minded woman, with an abundance of
wit. Her ability as a conversationalist made her the best
company for us of the household and for visitors alike, that I
have ever known. Her ease at repartee was a delight. My
father took keen amusement in matching his wit with hers,
and their conversation was enjoyable and stimulating.
 "They traveled frequently together, although of course
my father's duties did not permit much absence from Gaines-
ville and the University except in vacation time. They went
regularly to Atlanta each year, to enjoy the opera. And they
took us along! My father was an accomplished critic of
music.
 "Mother read a great deal, as did also my father. Of
course the active direction of our household did not permit
of an abundance of time for leisure. And yet it was remark-
able how much time she found to do things for others!"
 A lady whose life has been quite close to that of Mrs.
Murphree's in the University city has declared: "She was one
of the most thoughtful and loyal friends I have ever had. She
seemed so to enjoy being among her friends, and she took
every opportunity to be of service to them.
 "She was intently unselfish and unusually thoughtful of
others. On one occasion, when my little girl was ill-too
weak to hold even toys or books, Mrs. Murphree brought her a
ring and placed it on the child's finger so that she would have
the pleasure of looking at it without taxing her strength. At
another time, when my husband and I were called away from
town, she took our three oldest children into her home for a
period of several days.
 "Mrs. Murphree was always sympathetic and anxious to
help in case of sickness. Her own health was not the best
and perhaps this contributed to her exceptionally sympathetic
attitude toward others who were ill. She did not hesitate to
give of her time and thoughtful care. This was especially