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is nothing in the world. A husband or wife one can almost always replace, more or less- even a brother or sister- but there is no replacing, or counterfeiting in any way "mother and child" and that tie is the blessed recompense for all a mother gives of herself in the bearing and care of a child. You probably think that I should not miss him when I have the other three-but don't you know that it is always "the one" who is in the limelight at the time that you can spare the least. No, of course you don't know, but your Mother does.

But Mercy- this wont [[won't]] do-I'll have to trot out my blessings and give them the once over, and the blessing I am going to mention is one in which I hope-yes, I know- you are going to share. That is that splendid man, George's father. If George could be anything less than a good man- a kind man-a generous man, loyal, sympathtic [[sympathetic]] and loving, heredity from further back than I have knowledge has played us a miserable trick, and surely even at that, his father's life in his family and home should offset that. But I haven't the least fear-George has been a dear boy to me, and I have been awfully pleased to have such nice things said to me about him-as I frequently have. I don't know just what people mean when they say they are having "such a time" with their children-now isn't that a blessing?

It would be so splendid if your Mother could come with you- but of course the cost must be considered-but should you be able to arrange that, could I persuade you not to get a single extra, or new garment for the trip? I mean it- not a single thing- I am far from being a "dresser"-decidedly slack in such matters- we live very, very modestly, on a little old back street, and like in all cities, once outside of your own door you are lost in the crowd. And as to your own self-truly I would not buy a great deal- certainly do not get anything because of your stop in Chicago.

And now I'm going to "horn in" ( isn't that awful-I learn it from these boys) for the last time- about the date. Don't you think that after the first of February would suit everyone- and then there Valentine's Day, you know-an awfully appropriate time- and then a little while after that is the 27th of March, Pa's and my wedding day- and then there's the 22nd of April, my birthday- and then the 14th of June, George's birthday. There! that's a good time-the 14th of next June. But in earnest-I really hope that it might not be until February-but of course, as I said before, I'm a passenger and George's leave of absence will decide it.

Now you need not take your time to write often, much as I should like to hear. Let me know what you wish me to know and 24 hour notice to me will be time enough.

We have so enjoyed your letters-like a ray of sunshine into this old sobersides family- and I anticipate years upon years of delightful companionship with you- and I hope too, to know your people. When things get quieter-if I do not see her here sooner- I am going to New York. I have some relatives and friends there and your people will be an added inducement, for the trip.

Well good night, dearie, it's late and the house is getting kinda creepy-Pa went to Waterloo, Ia. tonight-Phil to his fraternity meeting-Herb is ushering at Orchestra Hall-and Bob in bed. No one here but the dog and the weather. Wish you'd keep your old eastern winters. Our papers say tonight that we have just one week's supply of coal-fortunately, we are better off than that, and as one of our friends say-after everything else is gone, there's the front porch we can chop up.

With my love-in advance
George's Ma.