studying the plan of the house I brought on for her inspection, that
a flue could be run through the closet in your room into the rear
one of the west chimneys. She thinks the hall must be freezing cold
in winter, and caught eagerly at my idea that a blazing fire at one
end would lighten the sombre effect of the oaken wainscot and lofty
ceiling. I proposed to tear down the panelling, but she was
horrified at the thought. I could not take more pride and interest
in preserving the antique character of the home of my forefathers
than does she. She will have it that the hall, thus improved, and
hung with a few old pictures, some bits of ancient armor, and
carpeted with maroon and green will be truly baronial. You and she
will agree admirably in your enthusiastic love of the venerable, and
in your aesthetic tastes. I congratulate myself hourly upon my good
fortune in securing such a companion for myself, and such an
instructress for yourself. You cannot fail to derive infinite
benefit from intercourse with her.

"This brings me to another subject to which I desire to call your
immediate attention. I wish her to select a couple of dresses
suitable for your wear on the night of our reception-party, and at
others which will, undoubtedly, be given in our honor. She objects
to doing this unless I obtain from you a written request that she
should thus aid me. She fears you may consider her action 'premature
and officious.' Write to her at once, requesting her to do this
sisterly favor for you, setting forth your distance from the city,
the meagre assortment of the goods to be had in the Richmond stores,
etc., and giving her carte blanche as to cost and style. It will be
an inestimable advantage to your appearance on the occasions named
should she oblige you in this particular. I earnestly desire that
you should look your best at your introduction to her."