quite a while now, since thou hast left us, and gone away to
Nazareth and Haifa. This journey hath lasted too long. The weather in Akka
is fine and moderate. If thou comest back, it will rejoice our hearts....

18: O my cherished sister! ...

(25) O my cherished sister!

Thou art never absent from my thoughts.

I speak of thee and call thee to mind at all times. It is my hope that out
of God's favour and grace thou dost keep safe and well, and dost visit the
two Sacred Thresholds on my behalf.

19: O my sister in the spirit, and the companion ...

(26) O my sister in the spirit, and the companion of my heart!

God willing, the climate of Haifa hath proved favourable. I hope that out
of the bounties of the Ancient Beauty thou wilt gain a measure of peace
and health.

I bring thee to mind both night and day. Just recently I had hoped to come
to Haifa to visit thee, but various problems and the pressure of work have
left me no time; for I want to see the travellers off, and every one of
them presented a long list of names. God be thanked, I have written to
them all.

Kiss the fresh flower of the garden of sweetness, Shoghi Effendi.

20: O thou Greatest and Most Merciful Holy ...

(27) O thou Greatest and Most Merciful Holy Leaf!

I arrived in New York in the best of health, and I have been at all times
thinking of thee, and supplicating fervently at the threshold of the
Blessed Beauty that He may guard thee in the stronghold of His protection.
We are in the utmost fellowship and joy. I hope that thou wilt be
sheltered under His bountiful care.

Write to me at once about Ruha _Kh_anum's and Shoghi Effendi's condition,
informing me fully and hiding nothing; this is the best way.

Convey my utmost longing to all.

21: I do not know in what words I could ...

(28) I do not know in what words I could describe my longing for my
honoured sister. Whatever it may write, my pen falls short.

III: FROM THE WRITINGS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI

1: This servant, after that grievous event and ...

(29) This servant, after that grievous event and great calamity, the
ascension of His Holiness 'Abdu'l-Baha to the Abha Kingdom, has been so
stricken with grief and pain and so entangled in the troubles created by
the enemies of the Cause of God, that I consider that my presence here, at
such a time and in such an atmosphere, is not in accordance with the
fulfilment of my important an