that hour and place--"King Goldenrod." Have lively days--writing in A.
M., driving in P. M., and fun in the eve. My visit is doing me much
good.

_July_, 1855.--Read "Hyperion." On the 16th the family came to live in
Mr. W.'s house, rent free. No better plan offered, and we were all
tired of the city. Here father can have a garden, mother can rest and
be near her good niece; the children have freedom and fine air; and A.
and I can go from here to our teaching, wherever it may be.

Busy and happy times as we settle in the little house in the lane near
by my dear ravine--plays, picnics, pleasant people, and good neighbors.
Fanny Kemble came up, Mrs. Kirkland, and others, and Dr. Bellows is the
gayest of the gay. We acted the "Jacobite," "Rivals," and
"Bonnycastles," to an audience of a hundred, and were noticed in the
Boston papers. H. T. was our manager, and Dr. B., D. D., our dramatic
director. Anna was the star, her acting being really very fine. I did
"Mrs. Malaprop," "Widow Pottle," and the old ladies.

Finished fairy book in September. Ann had an offer from Dr. Wilbur of
Syracuse to teach at the great idiot asylum. She disliked it, but
decided to go. Poor dear! so beauty-loving, timid, and tender. It is
a hard trial; but she is so self-sacrificing she tries to like it
because it is duty.

_October_.--A. to Syracuse. May illustrated my book and tales called
"Christmas Elves." Better than "Flower Fables." Now I must try to sell
it.

[Innocent Louisa, to think that a Christmas book could be sold in