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Marked Indianapolis letters Indianapolis, September 13th, '91. My dear Mr. Muir: If I could make a man, accustomed
to wait upon Nature, understand how hurried a busy woman can be I would offer an apology for my delay in thanking you for
your kindly reception of Kate, and for your beautiful book. Nebraska climate used Kate unkindly, but California air and sunshine
will restore what she has lost. It is a solid comfort to us all to have Kate underneath your roof and protection. She takes
affectionately to your family, and with her the children will learn to love that which is good and beautiful. The little girls,
I hear, unite Pole and Scotch - that stands for Patriotism and Religion - certainly there could be no better stock. Mrs.
Muir should be a happy woman and housekeeper, with her abundance of fruit. Kate writes we, too, are to have a taste of that
fruit. I fancy Kate will revel in your orchards much as the bears do in the hives, as described in Mt. Shasta. I have been
making marmalade, from peaches as large as hickory nuts I hope Mr. McNutt and Prof. Anderson will visit you - there will
be such pleasure in your mutual acquaintance and friendship. Intercourse with such people is one of the delights of earth,
and I would include with these two Samuel Alexander. We send our love to Mrs. Muir, and we thank you for every kindness.
Only when your child is a stranger 3000 miles from home will you appreciate my feelings. Mrs. Moores and Janet are both sick
- ever so sick. For a few Sundays we must listen to an old acquaintance of yours preach. 'Tis then I wish I was on the top
of Mt. Shasta or worshipping in temples not made with hands, instead of listening to Mr. Beach. With love to your teacher,
I am, Yours truly, Mary M errill Graydon