evening. We long to get a letter. Before
I forget it let me tell you that Alice H. and Julia W. have both got
babbies. We are getting nicely settled for the winter; the children are
all behaving beautifully.

_Saturday, 6th._--Well, I have just been to see Mrs. F., and found her
a bright, frank young thing, fresh and simple and very pleasing. Her
complexion is like M----'s, and the lower part of her face is shaped
like hers, dark eyebrows, light hair, _splendid_ teeth, and I suppose
would be called very pretty by you girls. Take her altogether I liked
her very much. We hear next to nothing from Stepping Heavenward, and
begin to think it is going to fall dead.

_Monday, 14th._--Your Southampton letter has just come and we are
delighted to hear that you had such a pleasant voyage, and found so many
agreeable people on board.... Yesterday afternoon was devoted to hearing
a deeply interesting description from Dr. Hatfield, followed by Mr.
Dodge, of the re-union of the two Assemblies at Pittsburgh. Dr. H. made
us all laugh by saying that as the New School entered the church where
they were to be received and united to the Old School, the latter rose
and sang "Return, ye ransomed sinners, home!" Oh, I don't know but it
was just the other way; it makes no great difference, for as Dr. H.
remarked, "we're all ransomed sinners."

_Nov. 30th._--Mr. Abbot dined here on Sunday. He came in again in the
evening, and it would have done you good to hear what he said about the
children. They are all well and happy, and give me very little trouble.
I do not feel so well on the late dinner, and have awful dreams.----I
was passing the C----s, after writing the above, and she called me in to
see her new parlors. They are beautiful; a great deal of bright, rich
coloring, and various articles of furniture of his own designing.
_Thursday._----You and M. will be shocked to hear that Julia W. died
last night. As Mr. W. was at church on Sunday, we supposed all danger
was over. We heard it through a telegram sent to your father.

_December 4, 1869._--I need not tell you that we all remember that this
is your birthday, dear child, and that the remembrance brings you very
near. I wish I could send you, for a birthday present, all that I have,
this morning, asked God to give you. You may depend upon it, that while
some people may get along through life at a certain distance from Him,
_you_ are not one of that sort. You may find a feverish joy, but