My dearest Nell,Your letter was a great shock to me and made the tears of sympathy jump to my eyes. Sydney got it out of the office a little while ago, since then I've been sitting staring out at the gray November world and wishing I could let you know how my whole heart goes out to you without writing. Words seem so meaningless and empty in the crises of life. I have wished that I might show you my loving sympathy by actually doing for you as you did for me when my sorrow came. But under the circumstances you can't be quite sure, except that you know of course that what affects one of us must touch the other, it couldn't be otherwise after living together four years - that my prayerful thoughts are with you in your trouble unless I write, so please read a great deal between the lines.
I know only too well how sad it is to be fatherless. Sometimes even now the pain is very poignant - since that is so, you will believe that I sympathize as only fellow-mourners can.
It was such a brave little letter, dear girl, and so good of you to want me to know right away.
I am so glad to have had a glimpse of your dear father, - you never saw mine. I remember so well his kindly face and white hair. Your poor mother - I am so sorry for her.
After all it is a rather beautiful death, - in the ripeness of age, in our home [?]- peaceful Indian Summer, after having made all things ready for the winter.
The Lord bless you and keep you, dear heart.
Devotedly yours
Lucy.Sunday, November 7, 1897.
[Lucy's father Charles Sheldon Baker died on May 12, 1894. Nell's father Isaiah Standish Swift died on Oct 28, 1897.]