Woodside Nov 2 66

My Dear Friend,

Two days ago after a cold bleak ride to the College I found your dear kind note awaiting me, it is quite unusual for letters to be so long in reaching me, my bro. had not been down quite so frequently as wont. I am sorry it happened to this one, you will have wondered at my silence & must have concluded I have for a certainty settled down into 'mysterious silence' which I assure you I have no idea of doing. We returned home last night & I hasten to thank you for your two letters, it was good of you to to take time to write the first amidst your busy hours, and the second was very acceptable showing that you cared for mine. No—I did not wrong myself. I was not alluding to conduct. I wrote right out of my

hear of the things that were there if you did not understand, I will tell you plain^y when I have the chance, the chance. When will it come I always look to spending a day or two with you in the pleasant autumn days shaped all thru' the summer I should make it out, but I cannot & I am so disappointed O so disappointed. how I long to see you. how gladly would I come to your empty house & try and cheer it a little, however I have a deep seated hope & trust that never leaves me, that these privations will be made up to us some time & some how so thro' all I can keep in good heart & be patient. All your notes long or short are very precious to me I depend on them so much. their arrival brings me quiet happiness & rest if mine are any comfort to you the knowledge gives me only pleasure. I should not call a change any reform, if I wrote as frequently as I wish, it would be at least every fortnight. I have no serious talk to give you, I only wish we may become helpful & not a hindrance to each other. I must see the Atlantic Monthly to read your Article, I suppose it will be in the Dec no. I hope I shall be able to see you in the early months of the year I shall try try to & you will tell me when you will be at home. I have not read anything lately but my Testament which I enjoy. I am intending to look again into that wonderful Faust. thro all time the experiences of the human heart remain the same, heart answers to heart. I am glad Charlie has a nice wife, you have been very kind to him, I am quite contented in my little home. The care of my darling baby & the management

of my little household occupy me pleasantly & it is peaceful and happy. I feel to have so many blessing. Tell Mrs D that Frank could walk alone before he was 10 mo old that he weighs 23 1/2 lbs, & is very beautiful. I hope you feel in good heart for your winters work and that success will attend send me a line before you go so that I can know when you will be at home again

I hope you can read this I have written it whilst my brothers were dressing &c to go to Town & my pen will scarcely make a stroke & all the rest are rusty. Dont get discouraged dont get lonely

I am my dear Friend

Ever your faithful

E.