me, but when I saw that you did not, it
worried me, too, but still I felt that I would not humble myself enough
to write. I thought if you did not care anything for me I would not let
you know I cared enough for you to write; but it was pride and pride
alone; but it had a fall, and I felt as if I had passed through a fiery
furnace and came out cleansed, for I feel like a different person.
Everybody says it has been the making of me to pass through what I have.
Many and many a time have I repented of the step I took in the month of
August, when I left the city of Brooklyn. Many a time I have prayed that
I might once again be placed back to that time. Oh! how differently
would I act. Now I can see that I was wholly to blame--alas! when too
late, I am afraid. John, you know all, you know everything that has
transpired from the time I left you up to the present time, therefore it
would be useless to say anything concerning my life for the past six
months, only that I am not past reformation, but have steadied down and
want to live a virtuous life the rest of my days, and the only one I
want to spend them with is my husband, for we are the same to each other
as on that October morning when we were pronounced man and wife. Then
let us forgive as we hope to be forgiven by that Higher One. Now, John,
I know that your mother or any of your family would never speak to me or
forgive me, but if my future life will ever be the means of restoring
the peace again that once existed between your folks and me, I am
willing to do anything, sacrifice everything to live so that they will
once more recognize me and term me their daughter and sister. I love
them all; but, oh! what hellish spirit ever took possession of me I know
not; but, oh! John, forgive me, take me back, and though they discard
me, remember I am your wife.

"Now, John, write to me, for God's sake; write for the love you once
bore me; write, let me know if you are done with me forever or not, for
suspense is killing; but, oh, if you ever hope to be forgiven by God,
forgive your wife, and let us once more live together and dwell in
harmony and peace.

"Now, John, I send my love to you, and 'Oh, forgive me!' is my prayer.

"John, forgive! But you will have to follow the directions, as no one
knows me by any other name. Nevertheless I am your wife. Good-by!

"From your wife,
"OLIVIA.

"Direct: Maud Coles, No. 13 Division street, Rochester."