should have listened with some incredulity, as to an agreeable
fairy tale which could not possibly come true. We didn't look
much like it, did we,--you in your big chair and I on my sofa?
Yet here we are! When your letter first reached me it seemed a
sort of impossible thing that I should accept your invitation;
but the more I thought about it the more I felt as if I must,
and now things seem to be working round to that end quite
marvellously. I have had a good winter, but the doctor wishes me
to try the experiment of the water cure again which benefited me
so much the summer of your accident. This brings me in your
direction; and I don't see why I might not come a little earlier
than I otherwise should, and have the great pleasure of seeing
you married, and making acquaintance with Lieutenant
Worthington. That is, if you are perfectly sure that to have at
so busy a time a guest who, like the Queen of Spain, has the
disadvantage of being without legs, will not be more care than
enjoyment. Think seriously over this point, and don't send for
me unless you are certain. Meanwhile, I am making ready. Alex
and Emma and little Helen--who is a pretty big Helen now--are to
be my escorts as far as Buffalo on their way to Niagara. After
that is all plain sailing, and Jane Carter and I can manage very
well for ourselves. It seems like a dream to think that I may
see you all so soon; but it is such a pleasant one that I would
not wake up on any account.

I have a little gift which I shall bring you myself, my Katy;
but I have a fancy also that you shall wear some trifling thing
on your wedding-day which comes from me, so for fear of being
forestalled I will say now, please don't buy any stockings for
the occasion, but wear the pair which go with this, for the sake