p.

every day, whether we are "present or absent."
George had a very good time at Boston. and
was at Bellows Falls at an Agricultural
meeting. He is a jolly good fellow. and I
like him much. Aunt P. is about sick, I've
helped her about the work this morning, and
now she sits by the stove looking over the
last Harper's. She just said, "Give Rowland a
great deal of love. and tell him I hope he'll
make thee mind better than I can. I've lost
all my gumption. Thee won't read me only
little bits of his letter, and not any of thee's to
him." - We are having a heavy snow which
is very acceptable to the farmers. and I am
glad to have it warmer. - I can't quite decide
what day I'll go, next week, but some of the first.
Mary had a letter from Tim last night. All well.
He is not coming back, though he says he does
not expect to stay with Jones as he thinks they
intend to get along alone another year. - Thomas
has rented his place to the same man another
year. I don't feel disappointed as I had not expected
him any of the time, but Mary had, some.
Ellen Cate is some better though they hardly think
she can recover. Mary and I are to watch with
her again, to-night. I hope to do some writing
when I get home again, and painting more.
Freeman gave me a lithograph of Beatrice [?],
quite pretty - He bought a snap of a pedlar and he
threw in a picture for each of us girls. That makes
me think I've got a new calico dress. I'm most
afraid thee won't like it, though it was the prettiest
of anything I saw. I'll send a piece if I don't forget
being not at all afraid that a "man" would
think it silly, for thee notices whatever I wear. They are
almost ready to go so goodbye for a little.