en flung overboard at Griffin's wharf,--but no matter about that,
now. That is the way things come about in this world. I must write a
lecture on lucky mishaps, or, more elegantly, fortunate calamities. It
will be just the converse of that odd essay of Swift's we read together,
the awkward and stupid things done with the best intentions. Perhaps I
shall deliver the lecture in your city: you will come and hear it, and
bring him, won't you, dearest? Always, your loving

LURIDA.

MISS LURIDA VINCENT TO MRS. EUTHYMIA KIRKWOOD.

It seems forever since you left us, dearest Euthymia! And are you, and
is your husband, and Paolo,--good Paolo,--are you all as well and happy
as you have been and as you ought to be? I suppose our small village
seems a very quiet sort of place to pass the winter in, now that you have
become accustomed to the noise and gayety of a great city. For all that,
it is a pretty busy place this winter, I can tell you. We have sleighing
parties,--I never go to them, myself, because I can't keep warm, and my
mind freezes up when my blood cools down below 95 or 96 deg. Fahrenheit.
I had a great deal rather sit by a good fire and read about Arctic
discoveries. But I like very well to hear the bells' jingling and to see
the young people trying to have a good time as hard as they do at a
picnic. It may be that they do, but to me a picnic is purgatory and a
sleigh-ride that other place, where, as my favorite Milton says, "frost
performs the effect of fire." I believe I have quoted him correctly; I
ought to, for I could repeat half his poems from memory once, if I cannot
now.

You must have plenty of excitement in your city life. I suppose you
recognized yourself in one of the society columns of the "Household
Inquisitor:" "Mrs. E. K., very beautiful, in an elegant," etc., etc,
"with pearls," etc., etc.,--as if you were not the ornament of all that
you wear, no matter what it is!

I am so glad that you have married a scholar! Why should not
Maurice--you both tell me to call him so--take the diplomatic office
which has been offered him? It seems to me that he would find himself in
exactly the right place. He can talk in two or three languages, has good
manners, and a wife who--well, what shall I say of Mrs. Kirkwood but that
"she would be good company for a queen," as our old friend the quondam
landlady of the Anchor Tavern used to say? I should so like to see you
presented at Court! It seems to me that I