1855.--Cousin L. W. asks me to pass the summer at Walpole with her. If
I can get no teaching, I shall go; for I long for the hills, and can
write my fairy tales there.

I delivered my burlesque lecture on "Woman, and Her Position; by
Oronthy Bluggage," last evening at Deacon G's. Had a merry time, and
was asked by Mr. R. to do it at H. for money. Read "Hamlet" at our
club--my favorite play. Saw Mrs. W. H. Smith about the farce; says she
will do it at her benefit.

_May_.--Father went to C. to talk with Mr. Emerson about the England
trip. I am to go to Walpole. I have made my own gowns, and had money
enough to fit up the girls. So glad to be independent.

[I wonder if $40 fitted up the whole family. Perhaps so, as my
wardrobe was made up of old clothes from cousins and friends.--L. M. A.]

_Walpole, N. H., June, 1855_.--Pleasant journey and a kind welcome.
Lovely place, high among the hills. So glad to run and skip in the
woods and up the splendid ravine. Shall write here, I know.

Helped cousin L. in her garden; and the smell of the fresh earth and
the touch of green leaves did me good.

Mr. T. came and praised my first book, so I felt much inspired to go
and do another. I remember him at Scituate years ago, when he was a
young shipbuilder and I a curly-haired hoyden of five or six.

Up at five, and had a lovely run in the ravine, seeing the woods wake.
Planned a little tale which ought to be fresh and true, as it came at