and romantic place the Valley is
for a wedding, with the added advantage that you would be absolutely the
first people who were ever married in it since the creation of the
world! I won't say what may happen in the remote future, for Rose Red
writes that she is going to change its name and call it henceforward
'The Ararat Valley,' not only because it contains 'a few souls, that is
eight,' but also because all the creatures who go into it seem to enter
pell-mell and come out two by two in pairs. You will inaugurate the long
procession at all events! Do please think seriously of this, dear John.
'Consider, cow, consider,--' and write me that you consent.

"We are building papa the most charming little bungalow ever seen,--a
big library and two bedrooms, one for himself and one to spare. It is
just off the southwest corner, and a little covered way connects it with
our piazza; for we are quite decided that he is to take his meals with
us and not have the bother of independent housekeeping. Then if you
decide to put _your_ bungalow on the other side of his, as we hope you
will, we shall all be close together. Lion will do nothing about the
building till you come. You are to stay on indefinitely with us, and
oversee the whole thing yourself from the driving of the first nail. We
will all help, and won't it be fun?

"There is something very stately and comforting in the idea of a
'resident physician.' Elsie declares that now Phillida may have croup or
any other infant disease she likes, and I sha'n't lie awake at night to
wonder what we should do in case Geoffey was thrown from the burro and
broke a bone. I am not sure but we may yet attain to the dignity of a
'resident pastor' as well, for Geoff has decided not to move the Hutlet,
but leave it as it is, putting in a little simple furniture, and offer
it from time to time to some invalid clergyman who needs Colorado air
and would be glad to spend a few months in the Valley. Who knows but it
may grow some day into a little church? Then indeed we should have a
small world of our own, with the learned professions all represented;
for of course Phil by that time will be qualified to do our law for us,
in case we quarrel and require writs and replevins or habeas corpuses,
or any last wills and testaments drawn up.

"I have begun on new curtains for Katy's room already, and Elsie and I
have all manner of beautiful projects for the weddings. Now Johnnie
darling, write at once and