he principal event of the
winter is the appearance of my book "Flower Fables." An edition of
sixteen hundred. It has sold very well, and people seem to like it. I
feel quite proud that the little tales that I wrote for Ellen E. when I
was sixteen should now bring money and fame.

I will put in some of the notices as "varieties," mothers are always
foolish over their first-born.

Miss Wealthy Stevens paid for the book, and I received $32.

[A pleasing contrast to the receipts of six months only, in 1886, being
$8,000 for the sale of books, and no new one; but I was prouder over
the $32 than the $8,000.--L. M. A., 1886.]

_April_, 1855.--I am in the garret with my papers round me, and a pile
of apples to eat while I write my journal, plan stories, and enjoy the
patter of rain on the roof, in peace and quiet.

[Jo in the garret.--L. M. A.]

Being behindhand, as usual, I'll make note of the main events up to
date, for I don't waste ink in poetry and pages of rubbish now. I've
begun to live, and have no time for sentimental musing.

In October I began my school; father talked, mother looked after her
boarders, and tried to help everybody. Anna was in Syracuse teaching
Mrs. S------'s children.

My book came out; and people began to think that topsy-turvy Louisa
would amount to something after all, since she could do so well as
housemaid, teacher, seamstress, and story-teller. Perhaps she may.

In February I wrote a story for which C. paid $5 and asked for more.

In March I wrote a farce for W. Warren, and Dr. W. offered it to him;
but W. W. was too busy.

Also began another tale, but found little time to work on it, with
school, sewing, and housework. My winter's earnings are:

School, one quarter . . . . . $50
Sewing . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Stories . . . . . . . . . . . 20

if I am ever paid.

A busy and a pleasant winter, because, though hard at times, I do seem
to be getting on a little; and that encourages me.

Have heard Lowell and Hedge lecture, acted in plays, and thanks to our
rag-money and good cousin H., have been to the theatre several
times--always my great joy.

Summer plans are yet unsettled. Father wants to go to England: not a
wise idea, I think. We shall probably stay here, and A. and I go into
the country as governesses. It's a queer way to live, but dramatic,
and I rather like it; for we never know what is to come next. We are
real "Micawbers," and always "ready