I turned from him, half wishing he had not said this, feeling a
little giddy, a little less strong; but, as I ran along, something
hit me on the shoulder. I looked behind me, and there he stood, like
an imp of mischief, pelting me with pine-cones, which it seems he
had collected in his pocket for that purpose. So I had to laugh, and
was cured again.

The year has at least begun well.

Adieu, my sweetest. Things are often not so bad as we imagine. With
this truism I take my leave of you.

Your EMILIA.

I think I forgot to send a New Year's wish to Mrs. Rayner. For you,
my love, again all the good that this world holds. May it rain upon
you in ceaseless showers!




LETTER XXIV.


GRAYSMILL, January 15th.

I have grown unutterably selfish. I only remembered this morning
that you had asked me to send you those books. To think that a day
should have come when I could forget to do something you had asked
me! I have seen to it, with much penitence. Forgive me!