August 1876

Dear friend,

I hope Mrs Higginson is no more ill. I am glad if I did not disturb her. Loneliness for my own Father made me think of her.

Always begins by degrees.

I almost inferred from your accent you might come to Amherst. I would like to make no mistake in a presumption so precious-but a Pen has so many inflections and a Voice but one, will you think it obtuse, if I ask if I quite understood you?

Of their peculiar light
I keep one ray
To clarify the Sight
To seek them by-