Page:Life of Isaiah V Williamson.djvu/189

Rh with fond anticipation. It is now snowing here a little—I suppose the commencement of the annual "St. Patrick Day's storm."

Remember me to Emily; tell "Old Black" I long to see him; and believe me

1em

Philada., Jany. 28, 1878.

My dear Anna Mary:—

Your most welcome Letters have all been received, and I feel and confess that I have been very remiss (unexcusably so) in not replying to them as a faithful and prompt correspondent should have done; but you know the ordinary excuse of business men for neglecting such duties, and you must allow me to avail myself of that, although I do not think that in many cases it is sufficient. However if you really knew the great pleasure it gives me to receive a Letter from "Clover Hill," I will tell you what I think you would do; you would say to yourself, "Well! there is that old Bachelor uncle of mine whose time is fully occupied with business matters, and who I know fully appreciates my Letters. I don't think I can do anything better than to afford him the pleasure of receiving one every two weeks at least, even if he should (for want of time) neglect to answer them." And then to confirm the arrangement, I will imagine I hear one foot fall heavily to the floor, accompanied with the expression, "I'll do it." It is rather a one-sided bargain, but under all the circumstances I hope and believe you will come to the conclusion to carry it out to the Letter, or Letters. As a general thing I have really been very busy