So. Hadley. Mass.
Oct. 27. 1884.
My darling Gertrude.
I am sorry my last letter made you feel rebellious, because you know dear I am no preacher, and if I were I should hardly know how to speak to you dear wayward heart. I only meant to suggest the way I get comfort myself sometimes. Everybody I guess has a dark day once in a while, and this is not a very bright one to me. Perhaps when the storm has passed over, and the sun shines on the crimson mountains again, I shall feel better. Yes dear the Autumn glory is here - yesterday as I walked home from Sunday School with the goldent trees above and the rustling leaves below I thought of you, and picked up a leaf in front of the Seminary which I send to you you [sic] with a kiss on it.
Your little cousin has been ill, but is better now. She had chils and fever I believe. Mrs. Brown told me yesterday the Dr. had broken them up and she was well on the way of recovery. I think she is a lovely girl - a real little lady. Mother has asked her to spend a Tuesday night and Wednesday with us. We shall be very glad to see her.
Greta's sister has called on us. She is very pretty, but not like Greta. Black hair and eyes, curls about her face, and beautiful teeth. I think she lacks Greta's softness someway - her hair and eyes seem almost too black. She says Greta had a hard cough all vacation, and she felt troubled about it, although the others did not seem anxious. I hope they will not let it go too far.
Mr. George [...] the proprietor of our hotel died last week after a short illness. It was shocking to everyone, late circumstances making it seem so dreadfully hopeless. His life was so short it seems such a pity it could not have been better.
I have been into the Seminary only a few times this year. The attraction seems wonderfully diminished since my dear girls went away. Did you ever see Mrs. Gulliver? formerly Miss French, and principal when I entered the Seminary. She is here for a few weeks, and dressed in widows mourning. I think she is one of the very loveliest ladies, both in manner and character, I ever met.
"Mr Ben" has gone for ferns today. He remembers the time you let him fall out of the wagon, and he remembers too how kindly you used to recognize him on the street. My Gertrudes caring words and acts won her many friends while here.
Uncle Morgan is laid up with rheumatism and chills and fever. He is not well at all this fall, but I hope he will be better soon.
We are all busy in some way. The days are not nearly long enough for all we have to do, and the evening goes so long before bedtime. I wish we could see greater results from all the hurry and worry.
Do you remember the Autumn verse I love? I will write it out because I love it so.
"And I will trust that He who heeds
The life that hides in mead and wold,
Who hangs you alder's crimson beads,
And stains these masses green and gold,
Will still, as He hath done, incline
His gracious care to me and mine,
Grant what we ask aright, from wrong debar, [?]
And, as the earth grows dark,
make brighter every star!
It is growing late, so I must close. Write often to me dear - your letters bring you back to me.
Your loving
Rebecca.Tuesday.
I forgot to tell you father drove over to Northampton the other night to an elegant Blaine rally, and last night to one in Holyoke. Have you had your supper yet? Wasn't it fine to be waited upon in such style. I am afraid my political ardor would soon cool if I had to sit up for father many nights until one oclock.
Another thing I meant to have said, was in answer to your question, whether I would like to hear you had married when your heart was given another way. No dear I would not like to have you had married where you could not place your love. Only if you are thinking about it, be sure you make no mistake on the other side, and find too late the heart could have gone with the hand. The older I grow and see people living together, the surer I am there ought to be plenty of love to help through the commonplace worries of life. I hope you may have some time just the tenderest most loving husband in the world, because I think people are happier to be married if they only find the right ones - Isn't this a sermon for an old maid to preach!
Dear Gertrude, if the old love cannot be renewed try hard to put it away and look at the future without it. I know it is hard but I am sure it is best. I [...] the right to tell you this.
Your loving friend,
Rebecca F. Smith.