[41 Brimmer St., Boston]
I am so ecstatically proud to have had a letter from you every Monday for three weeks, that I am furious that I cannot write this morning the long letter that must be written at once in answer to yours of the 21st, which gave me, like every letter, deeper happiness, but a great deal more to say. Except when I can get a clear morning my letters are scrappy and I fear very unsatisfactory. Today, I had to go to the dentist first; and the moment I arrived here was given a book manuscript on which my opinion is wanted by lunch time. I shall just have to write more though shorter letters, I am afraid; but I do love to sit down and write pages and pages to you at once.
AnywayHale, Emilyphotographs of;w7as a child;a1, I must say at once how entranced I am with your little photograph. You were a beautiful child, but naturally I expected that! I do treasure it; it is to be kissed and put to bed in the box, and looked at as often as possible. You were in New York! Of course, dear, you will understand that it gives me very sad and strange thoughts too, too sad and strange to tell you. And I read the sadness of later years into the baby’s gaze. I am happy to think that I may have a recent (how recent?) picture too. You will not get mine for some time, because I waited to hear from you before ordering it to be printed.
One word more, dear, and I will write again tomorrow, I promise myself that (I hope when two letters come at once you look at the postmarks before you read them). IHale, Emilyrelationship with TSE;w9its morality under examination;a5 think your analysis of the situation is perfectly right. I have thought and thought over it. It is and will always be difficult: but I am sure it is right and not wrong.* AndChristianityresignation, reconciliation, peace;c8TSE's love allows for;a1 it improved me so much – not only made me happier and more resigned, but better – and that is good evidence. I will explain more in detail. Meanwhile thank you again and again, my western star,1 for all you have done for me.
* I will go into this.2
1.Cf. Whitman, ‘When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d’: ‘When lilacs last in the dooryard bloom’d, / And the great star early droop’d in the western sky at night, / I mourned […] O powerful western fallen star!’
2.Added by hand.