To Mrs. J.G. Holland
From ED

September 1884

Dear Sister -

To have been in actual preence of "Dodd, Mead, and Co" is impressive to Vinnie, and she says every day, "I thought we should hear from Mrs-Holland," she being the Chairman of that loved Assembly - Vinnie was charmed with the Stranger - With Kate, she had been always charmed, so the spell was complete - But she found him a dark Man - the Picture depicted him in a light - That, she requires explained - Vinnie much regretted that she was'nt in Court Costume, but I told her that high topped Boots would'nt have been expected, which was not the comfort that I could wish -

Autumn is among us, though almost unperceived - and the Cricket sings in the morning, now, a most pathetic conduct -

We have no Fruit this year, the Forest having barreled that in the Bud - except the "Fruits of the Spirit," but Vinnie prefers Baldwins -

Thank Kate and the Consort, for their beloved visages - the "surprise parties" of Saints are ineffable, and when they bring the assurance of the loved convalescence, they are even more beatific -

          Emily -