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illegible But, of course, it takes time to bring such a thing to pass. There are things to be considered, things to be arranged
for, and things to be done. While, frankly, I should very much like to see the arrangement made, in whatever way we determine,
I understand that there are a good many things for you to settle before you enter into such an undertaking. I don't know but
I am a little startled that you should speak so favorably of the proposition, and find so little to criticise in it. At least
I am disposed to take all this as a very pleasant compliment. You will be good enough to understand that my hat is off to
you. I suppose that the essential merit of the plan, if we are to assume that it has merit, lies in the one broad claim that
it looks to greater facility for work. When this claim is put under analysis it sub-divides into several smaller ones:-an
increase of domestic comfort, possibly; assistance in the mere manual part of the work; and after these such minor advantages
as might accrue to you from my own intense interest in your work, and the wish of all of us to make our home seem homelike
to you, and your own absolute freedom to do as you please. If these incidentals shall happily contribute to your peace of
mind, and your convenience, we may assume that they will enable you to do your work with greater facility, and this, in turn,
means more work, and also easier work. It is primarily because I am so anxious to see your writing proceed that I have had
the temerity to suggest the basis of this plan on which we might get together and push things a little. I shall be glad, as
will my wife and son, to do whatever may be possible to assist you in case you conclude that it will be well to put some such
plan into effect. The only ground for uneasiness at this time is the danger that you may have another serious attack of the
grippe, such as laid you low and knocked out a lot of good time for you late last winter. We only hope that you may escape
such an affliction this winter, even though you linger at Martinez. We have rain here too, upon occasion, but continued sulky
weather, excessive fogginess, and thegeneral state of meteorological pouts that afflicts the vicinity of San Francisco Bay
in wintertime illegible are hopefully lacking here. And I believe you would like it, once you were settled. We earnestly hope
to hear of your continued good health and activity, and we are equally strong in hope that the good news from Miss Helen will
not give place to anything less encouraging. I have no news to give you, and I am personally so uninteresting that there
is nothing to be said about myself, so I am just going to ask you to let us hear from you as you feel moved to write, or have
something to say, and with that subscribe myself illegible 04410