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5.

Wednesday evening

I was so happy tonight, dearest Phebe, in reading your kind dear letter that I could not refrain from sending a few lines in answer - though at the risk of their never reaching you. Your words always do me good Phebe, whether written or spoken - if you only whould speak oftener, as I am sure you would, if you only knew how it reassured me - sometimes when I need it much, for I am very weak - though you call yourself so, dear friend, you do not know - than in many things - you are far more strong than I - but I do not doubt - that I must take home, to myself full half the blame - of the want of freedom and candor, which detracts so much, from our enjoyment of each other - as well as usefulness - Shall we ever ware it away, do you think? However it may be - we shall always love each other, dearly truely -