The question with which this letter closes, suggests one of Lizzy's most
striking and loveliest traits. She had a perfect passion for babies, and
reveled in tending, kissing, and playing with them. Here are some pretty
lines in one of her girlish contributions to "The Youth's Companion,"
which express her feeling about them:

What are little babies for?
Say! say! say!
Are they good-for-nothing things?
Nay! nay! nay!

Can they speak a single word?
Say! say! say!
Can they help their mothers sew?
Nay! nay! nay!

Can they walk upon their feet?
Say! say! say!
Can they even hold themselves?
Nay! nay! nay!

What are little babies for?
Say! say! say!
Are they made for us to love?
_Yea_! YEA!! YEA!!!

In the fall of 1838 Mrs. Payson purchased a house in Cumberland street,
which continued to be her residence until the family was broken up. You
remember the charming little room Lizzy had fitted up over the hall in