late October 1876

Dear friend.

Except your coming, I know no Gift so great-and in one extent, it exceeds that,-it is permanent.

Your Face is more joyful, when you speak-and I miss an almost arrogant look that at times haunts you-but with that exception, it is so real I could think it you.

Thank you with delight-and please to thank your friend for the lovely suggestion.

I hope she has no suffering now-

Was it Browning's Flower, that "Ailed till Evening"? I shall think of your "Keeping House" at Night, when I close the shutter-but to be Mrs‹Higginson's Guest, is the Boon of Birds. Judge Lord was with us a few days since-and told me the Joy we most revere-we profane in taking.

I wish that was wrong. Mrs Jackson has written. It was not stories she asked of me. But may I tell her just the same that you dont prefer it? Thank you, if I may, for it almost seems sordid to refuse from myself again.

My Brother and Sister speak of you-and covet your remembrance -and perhaps you will not reject my own, to Mrs Higginson?

Summer laid her supple Glove
In it's sylvan Drawer-
Wheresoe'er, or was she-
The demand of Awe?