Home, July 16, 1884Gertrude mine, why don't you walk in at my door this minute instead of making me use this stupid pen and paper Oh, I want you, though! And you, tired child that you are, with a house full of company - it's my private opinion that it's a "jolly shame" for you to be there!
Ah, the beauty and coolness of these days, since I came home has been something rare indeed for July. the river and the greenness and the sky from lovely pictures for eye and heart to rest upon,- for the eye at any rate, even tho the wayward heart should persist in its restless ache. Yesterday, I had a beautiful drive along the banks of the Delaware. The scenery is picturesque, indeed.
How eagerly I read your last letter and how I enjoyed every bit of it.
Laura did go to Wellesley Hills with Carrie, but could not come to Watch Hill afterward, but had to go home, summoned, for a change, by a telegram, I believe! However she made quite a long stay at Carrie's who took her to spend a day by the sea near Boston, so she had a glimpse of it at least. She was to spend last Sunday with Blanch at Katie DeWitt's, in Troy.
Haven't heard a word from Blanch or Greta yet, tho I have written to both. I am glad Greta's so happy, dear child, and I trust nothing will ever "happen to her." I wish I could have been on the train with you & heard those politicians, except then you would have been deprived of the charming companionship of the pompous gentleman, which would have been sad.
Mother read me Evart's speech to-day - good, wasn't it, and cutting on the "Pharisees". I haven't written to dear Miss Prentiss yet, but I must. She, it seems to me, is always serene, composed & happy, but as for Winifred, - well, if she isn't it's her own fault, so she has nothing to say. "Strong and pure and patient" - the best words of Dr. Vincent's Address, and something to strive towards.
Mother & I enjoy reading together so much - Aurora Leigh now, and Macaulay's England soon.
Father & I enjoy talking together, and my home is dear and sweet.
What do you suppse, G.gy? I, of all girls, have already begun - to teach! Fact. Don't be alarmed. I'm only too glad to have something to do. My labors are arduous though,- one pupil, three times a week, for an hour from nine to ten A.M. on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays - did I tell you before - I am coaching a young Eastonianess in Latin preparing to entering Mt. Holyoke in the Fall.
Reading & writing letters and lazing constitute the rest of my occupations, - when I'm not star-gazing and dreaming of some one in Western Pennsylvania and wondering if she is star-gazing too!
Gertrude, would it be impossible for you to come see me sometime this Summer or Fall?
Of all lazy, restful quiet places this can be the laziest, restfullest quietest. And you can comfort me when I feel as week as a baby, or when these "foot-catching robes of womanhood" seem like to make me stumble & fall, - or tire me, at least.
And I can put my love and comfort around you too. Will you come? Say yes, and say when. It's about tea time & I must stop. Wrote to Miss Blanchard, but have not heard from her - naturlich. My Miriam what are we & what is Life? Ah the mystery of it - one day to be revealed to our astonished vision! My bless of courage & strength & peace upon thee, this night & all days & nights. Let me hear soon,