To Mrs. J.G. Holland
From ED

early 1877

Dear Sister.

I have felt so sweet and impatience to write you, that I thought it perhaps inordinate, and to be disciplined, like other unruly wishfulness - but however you stem Nature, she at last succeeds.

Your Letters have the peculiar worth that attaches to all prowess, as each is an achievement for your delicate Eyes. I almost fear you urge them too far, though to lag is stale to a rapid Spirit -

I hope you may live till I am asleep in my personal Grave, not but Earth is Heaven, but I would not like to outlive the smile on your guileless Face. Doctor's "Child Wife" - indeed - if no Mr. Copperfield's.

This is a stern Winter, and in my Pearl Jail, I think of Sun and Summer as visages unknown.

The Sermon you failed to hear, I can lend you - though Legerdemain is uncoveyed - and "Corn in the Ear," Audacity, these inclement Days.

I was much impressed by your sweetness to Austin. He seems the "Child of the Regiment" since he was so sick, and every tenderness to him is caress to us.

Congratulate the Doctor on his growing Fame.

"Stratford on Avon" - accept us all!

With love for your sweet Descendants - and the wish for yourself, I am

          Emily -