West Newbury, Mass.
May 21, 1906.Dear Carrie,
My dear little sweetheart! I have just seen your picture, and you can't know fully how glad I am to be able to look at you to my heart's content.
The photograph came to Grandma's while I was away, and she forgot to tell me about it, so to-day is the first time I have had a glimpse of it. That is why you have had to wait so long with never a word of thanks.
Sometimes, dear Carrie, I wonder whether you will think me prone to flattery. In truth, I am not, but mean most sincerely that I love to look at the real face of my friend and shall never tire of gazing at her pictured face. It is just as beautiful and noble and sweet as can be, - an inspiration and a comfort. I do thank you very very much.
Your long letter, too, was a comfort and a big one. It made me happy to see again the handwriting and the postmark, and I told Mabel joyfully that my letter was from Carrie. Since then my aunts have been ill, and I have been very busy helping them.
Just now they are better, so that I am hoping to be in Newburyport next week with leisure to really answer your letter. This is just a hurried note to let you know that I have received the picture and that I love you.
South Hadley must be perfectly beautiful at this season. I am glad that you and Mary have such good walks and that you are so enthusiastic a lover of birds. How could you see so many different kinds?
I am very sorry for Bessie and hope her eyes will strengthen rapidly.
Please give my love to Mary and Edith. I will close as does one of Mabel's little friends. -
"You are my darling."
"Hugs O O O" "X X X Kisses"