spring 1884

Never unmindful of your anxiety for your Father, dear friend. I refrained from asking, lest even the moment engrossed by reply might take you from him.

The peril of a Parent is a peculiar pang, and one which my Sister and myself so long experienced. Oh would it were longer, for even fear for them were dearer than their absence, that we cannot resist to offer you our earnest sympathy. I most sincerely trust that the sight is redeemed, so precious to you both, more than vicariously to you - even filially - and that the added fear has not exhausted you beyond the art of spring to cheer.

I have lost since writing you, another cherished friend, a word whom I enclose - and how to repair my shattered ranks is a besetting pain.

Be sure that my Sister and myself never forget your Brother, nor his bereaved comrade.

To be certain we were to meet our Lost, would be a Vista of reunion, who of us could bear?

With my own and my Sister's recollection,

Faithfully,

E. Dickinson.