once confronted with a
worldly-looking bit of silk! How _can_ you! Why don't you follow my
example and dress in sackcloth and ashes? I think however, if you _will_
be worldly you have done it very prettily, and on the whole don't know
that it is any wickeder than I have been in translating a "dramatic
poem" in five acts from the German, only you've got your dress done and
I'm only half through my play; and there's no knowing how bad I shall
get before I am through. I wonder if you are sitting by an open window,
as I am, and roasting at that? I had a drive with A. and M. through the
Park yesterday, and saw stacks of hyacinths in bloom, and tulips and
violets and dandelions; a willow-tree not far from my window has put
on its tender green, and summer seems close at hand. I have been to an
auction and got cheated, as I might have known I should; and the
other day I had my pocket picked. As to "Gates Ajar," most people are
enchanted with it; but Miss Lyman regards it as I do, and so do some
other elect ladies. I have just written to see if she will come down and
get a little rest, now the weather is so fine. Mr. P. has gone to Dorset
to be gone all the week, and I am buying up what is to be bought,
begrudging every cent! mean wretch that I am.

I have looked through and read parts of "Patience Strong's Outings"--an
ugly title, and a transcendental style, but beautiful in conception, and
taken off the stilts, in execution. I do not like the cant of Unitarians
any better than they like ours, but I like what is elevating in any
sect. I have had a present of a lot of table-linen, towels, etc., for
Dorset, and feel a good deal like a young housekeeper. I wonder how soon
you go back to Northampton? How queer it must be to be able to float
round! It is a pity you could not float to New York, and get a good
hugging from this old woman. We expect 250 ministers here in May at
general assembly (I ought to have spelt it with a big G and a big A). My
dear child, what makes you get blue? I don't much believe in any blue
devils save those that live in the body and send sallies into the mind.
Perhaps I should, though, if I had not a husband and children to look
after; how little one can judge for another!

* * * * *

II.

How she earned her Sleep. Writing for young Converts about speaking the
Truth. Meeting of the General Assembly in the Church of the Covenant.
Reunion. D.D.s and Strawberry Short-cake. "E