Transcription:
and vexation gave place to an luxurious flood of tears, such a one as I do not often enjoy, for as I had as it were, illegible
ggled deleted: and about not knowing for a time where to turn for something to take the place of your loss I at last found
comfort, you know where, The only place where mortal man can find consolation, and now as I said before I am glad you are
going to remain in Madison. I think I should be disappointed did I see you here even in two weeks For two reasons first, you
can do in M ? what you could not do here in a preliminary sense. Second, I could not wish you to come to lonely home and a
place where you would find no congenial society. You are vigorous and well prepared for activity in the busy world The existence
of which world I had almost become unconscious But my work is underlined: to do nothing and remain patient in my nothingness
and I suppose for me this is quite as much my duty as it is for others to walk? with their might. Will you be ready to study
when I come home? illegible I will not not even if you stay a year My eyes are exceeding weak This intense sunlight is very
hard to endure and it is all that I can do to scribble of this letter to you. They feel much worse just now than when I was
at Madison. I do not expect ever to study again. You need not feel obliged to answer this letter any sooner than you have
time to do. I love dearly to hear from you but I will not be selfish, although you know that is my primary fault. in margin:
Annie s address is Belle best guess: fontaihe P.O. Columbia Co. or Portage You did not say who you were painting for or how
you came to undertake it, or who the young ladies are who wish to take lessons, or indeed any particulars, illegible you know
I am interested?