Page:Margaret Fuller by Howe, Julia Ward, Ed. (1883).djvu/57

42 have known what it is to have nobody to speak to, c'est à dire, of my own peculiar little fancies. I bear it with strange philosophy, but I do wish to be written to. I will tell you how I pass my time without society or exercise. Even till two o'clock, sometimes later, I pour ideas into the heads of the little Fullers; much runs out-indeed, I am often reminded of the chapter on home education, in the New Monthly. But the few drops which remain mightily gladden the sight of my father. Then I go down-stairs and ask for my letters from the post; this is my only pleasure, according to the ideas most people entertain of pleasure. Do you write me an excellent epistle by return of mail, or I will make your head ache by a minute account of the way in which the remaining hours are spent. I have only lately read the Female Sovereigns of your beloved Mrs. Jameson, and like them better than any of her works. Her opinions are clearly expressed, sufficiently discriminating, and her manner unusually simple. I was not dazzled by excess of artificial light, nor cloyed by spiced and sweetened sentiments. My love to your revered husband, and four kisses to Edward, two on your account, one for his beauty, and one abstract kiss, symbol of my love for all little children in general. Write of him, of Mr. 's sermons, of your likes and dislikes, of any new characters, sublime or droll, you may have unearthed, and of all other things I should like.

"Affectionately your country friend, poor and humble. ""

In the summer of 1835 a great pleasure and refreshment came to Margaret in the acquaintance of Miss