Volume II Part 17 (1/2)
_Lenox_, July 30th, 1851
_Dearest Phoebe_,
We are getting along perfectly well, and without a single event that could make a figure in a letter. I keep a regular chronicle of all our doings; and you may read it on your return. Julian seems perfectly happy, but sometimes talks in rather a sentimental style about his mother. I do hope thou camest safely to West Newton, and meetest with no great incommodities there. Julian is now out in the garden; this being the first time since thou wentest away, almost, (except when he was in bed) that he has left me for five minutes together. I find him really quite a tolerable little man!
Kiss Una for me, and believe me,
Thy affectionate husband,
N. H.
Mrs. Sophia A. Hawthorne, West Newton.
TO MRS. HAWTHORNE
_Lenox_, August 1st, Friday [1851]
_Dearest Phoebe_,
I send the tools, which I found in one of the cupboards. Thy two letters arrived together, this morning. I was at the P. O. on Wednesday, and greatly disappointed to find nothing.
Julian and I get along together in great harmony, & as happy as we can be severed from thee. It grieves me that thou findest n.o.body to help thee there. If this state of things is to continue, thou must abridge thy stay, and return before thou art quite worn out.
I wrote a few lines on Tuesday (I think) which I suppose thou hast received. I more than ever abhor letter-writing; but thou partly knowest that I am
Thy lovingest
HUSBAND.
Mrs. Sophia A. Hawthorne, West Newton.
TO MRS. HAWTHORNE
_Lenox_, August 7th, 1851.--Thursday
_Ownest Phoebe_,
I rec'd thy letter yesterday. I will be in Pittsfield on _Thursday_ next (a week from to-day) and will escort thee home.
I have written quite a small volume of Julian's daily life and mine; so that, on thy return, thou wilt know everything that we have done and suffered;--as to enjoyment, I don't remember to have had any, during thy absence. It has been all doing and suffering.
Thou sayest nothing whatever of Una.
Unless I receive further notice from thee I shall consider Thursday the day. I shall go at any rate, I think, rain or s.h.i.+ne; but of course, thou wilt not start in a settled rain. In that case, I shall come again to Pittsfield, the next day. But, if fair weather, I hope nothing will detain thee; or if it necessarily must, and thou has[t]