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Stratford August 11th 

My dear good friend Phebe
I was so please to get your kind letters - and learn that you are safely in the country - and that you are gaining - and Annie - better not! I wish I had you near me today. It would be such a rest to sit near you - even if you did not speak a word perhaps I might learn a little of your sweetness and patience - if I were with you more. I think mine dwindles year by year. I know my courage & my hope declines as I grow old. I support that mellowness & serenity which comes with ideal old age is only the reward of a well spent life - and great self-conquest. I hope you are very happy today.

not been in my boat all the week for that reason. Tonight Mr. and Mrs. Fray will take tea with me, but they will have to go home directly after tea on account of the baby - and I shall have my long lonely evening all the same. I have had Chary George with me for a week - (the little seamstress you know.) and it has been pleasant to see how she has enjoyed the country - the poor child needed the rest and change very much the [[illegible]] Life [[illegible]] and yet she is so smart & cheerful. I know she is a real good sister at home she comes and chatters to me of all her little trials and it is a very interesting picture of a home. She