MIRANDA HOPE TO HER MOTHER.

October 22d

Dear Mother--I am off in a day or two to visit some new country; I
haven't yet decided which. I have satisfied myself with regard to
France, and obtained a good knowledge of the language. I have enjoyed my
visit to Madame de Maisonrouge deeply, and feel as if I were leaving a
circle of real friends. Everything has gone on beautifully up to the
end, and every one has been as kind and attentive as if I were their own
sister, especially Mr. Verdier, the French gentleman, from whom I have
gained more than I ever expected (in six weeks), and with whom I have
promised to correspond. So you can imagine me dashing off the most
correct French letters; and, if you don't believe it, I will keep the
rough draft to show you when I go back.

The German gentleman is also more interesting, the more you know him; it
seems sometimes as if I could fairly drink in his ideas. I have found
out why the young lady from New York doesn't like me! It is because I
said one day at dinner that I admired to go to the Louvre. Well, when I
first came, it seemed as if I _did_ admire everything!

Tell William Platt his letter has come. I knew he would have to write,
and I was bound I would make him! I haven't decided what country I will
visit yet; it seems as if there were so many to choose from. But I shall
take care to pick out a good one, and to meet plenty of fresh
experiences.

Dearest mother, my money holds out, and it _is_ most interesting!