Mt. Holyoke Sem. Jan. 22.My dear Fanny,
Your letter was waiting for me when I returned here after a holiday vacation of two weeks.
I am almost sorry that you did not stay at Oxford, and am not quite as sure as you are that you do not need more discipline. My dear when I read about your being confined to the house and your expressions of discontent that you could not join in the gayeties of the season I could not help wondering if the dear Lord did not think there was something better for you than the things you long for. I wondered if He would get discouraged, trying to show you there was something better. His love is unbounded and yet he has said "ye cannot serve two masters." Which shall it be Christ or self, & how are you deciding this question each day as it comes and goes? Are you living a sweet womanly Christian life before your family and friends? Are those who know you best reminded that Christ gives you strength to bear trial and annoyance, by seeing your self forgetfulness and patience?
The good Book tells us some fully plain truths about pleasure seeking. I know that some of the most sacred subjects - love and marriage - are spoken of everywhere and particularly at the wish in a manner that is coarse and unwomanly not to say wicked, and probably that is the reason there is so much behavior that is wrong and demoralizing, but you have had oportunities [sic] to know and see the better way, and cannot you by your words and life help others to think and speak and act rightly.
The picture you sent looks like a handsome boy. If you really love him I hope he is "of the handsome does kind." I should think if he has principle your chances of happiness would be far greater in his hands than in the hands of the M. C. you describe. I am sorry for your sake you do not like Mr. Cooke better.
Lizzie Blanchard's fortunes are a great source of satisfaction to me. Effie went to the wedding and as they made no trip she remained several days. She was very impressed with Mr. Helyar's goodness and I am afraid almost envies Lizzie her happiness. I ought not to say this but Effie could hardly find words to express her admiration of Mr. H. I do hope they may enjoy each other many happy years.
Lou Brownback for whom you ask is in the senior class. Also Evie Metcalf. The latter is much the most earnest Christian of the two. I see very little of Effie but presume she is quite busy.
Miss Parsons would wish to be remembered if she were here, but she is spending the day at home. Her mother died the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Have you received the Catalogue at last?
Miss Payne has been here a little this year, did not enter at first, and does not bid fair to make much progress in the course of study as yet.
May I expect a visit from you during the school year? I am glad you trust and love me in spite of my plainness to you and I still expect that you will be brought to see life and your duty in the right light, yet I fear for you, when I read how you are persisting in thinking true prosperity consists in the things you value.
But you are in good hands only don't make it necessary for the blessed Saviour to use severe means to save you.
I will burn your recent letters if you wish it.
I am very anxious lest that foot may give you more serious trouble; dreadful things sometime come of such beginnings and do write me how you are soon.
With love from your friend
Mary C. Townsend.