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Tuesday Jan. 1, 1889

My first writing of the new date is to send Happy New Year to "the girls", & all my heart full of wishes for their welfare, & happiness too, - altho sometimes those are not found exactly together. I have just come from my annual call on the two old ladies, Mrs. Muir + Mrs. Lawrence, -the latter rejoicing over a very nice letter from Laurie, from Portland, which came last night, & helped to lift a little the shadow which Miss Abby's very perceptible fading away throws over that little house this winter. They have had nothing from J.B.A. yet, & as he always has sent them a holiday letter, they wonder what the matter is. I think we shall know something about his affairs soon thro' Uncle Charley, & will tell you, -but you mustn't mention it, of course. 

This day is mild & sunny, & our streets are crowded;- I hardly ever saw them so,- & people seem full of good feeling,- & bright anticipations among business men are pretty generally the rule since Harrison was elected- & so there is solid foundation for "feeling good". Therefore dear Leilie, don't economize too much; -for comfort in cold weather is very important to girls working as you are doing, & I am somewhat worried about your present quarters. Please run no risks; -they are more expensive in the long run, usually, than better rooms would be. And I think means can be found if you can find the rooms. Consider this seriously, & write me about it. When you get settled, at work, I will write longer letters-