about 1880?

. . . I fear Vinnie gave my message as John Alden did the one from Miles Standish, which resulted delightfully for John, but not as well for his friend.

Had you seen the delighted crowd that gathered round the box - did you ever see a crowd of three? - you would have felt requited. Your presenting smile was alone wanting.

"Dear Mrs. Carmichael," said one; "The one that never forgets," said another; and a tear or two in the eyes of the third, and the reception was over. Can you guess which the third was?

The candy was enchanting, and is closeted in a deep pail, pending Vinnie's division, and the little box, like Heaven and mice, far too high to find.

Failure be my witness that I have sought them faithfully.

We often think of your evening circle - Mr. Skeel presiding at the piano, and Mrs. Skeel and yourself taking mutual lessons.

I am studying music now with the jays, and find them charming artists.

Vinnie and Gilbert have pretty battles on the pussy question, and you are needed for umpire, oftener than you think.

"Weren't you chasing pussy?" said Vinnie to Gilbert. "No, she was chasing herself."

"But wasn't she running pretty fast?" said pussy's Nemesis. "Well, some slow and some fast," said the beguiling villain.

With the little kiss he gave me last, and a pair of my own, and love for Mr. and Mrs. Skeel.

Warmly,

Emily.