To Mrs. J.G. Holland
From ED

early 1883

Dear friend,

We were very sorrowful for the illness of the Gentleman with the long Name, and it must have been a bleak Holiday for your loved Kate - Would it be chivalrous to say, we rejoice it was "Bleeker"? And for Katrina's Eyes, Camoens is sorry -

We hope "Mr-Bridegroom" is better, as Gilbert calls those sacred ones, and that the Eyes relent - May it not be the glazed Light which the Snows make, for with us they are falling always now, and the last is faithful for three Days, an inclement constancy -

Could I thank you for all the sweetness at once, it would deprive me of the joy of thanking you again, which I so much covet - Of the Christmas Munificence two Acorns remain - Those I shall save for Seed, and I know they will bloom by another Christmas - Mother's Christmas Gift of another Life is just as stupendous to us now, as the Morning it came - All other Surprise is at last monotonous, but the Death of the Loved is all moments - now - Love has but one Date - "The first of April" "Today, Yesterday, and Forever" -

"Can Trouble dwell with April Days?"
"Of Love that never found it's earthly close, what sequel?"

          Emily -