Page 3: desert, but no sight supplanted the memory of your penetrating eyes. I am delighted to know that, as I always expected, you have charted your own course and are teaching other young women to do the same. All I ever wanted was your happiness and peace. If that could be attained by playing the harp and painting tables, I would have listened to you play and handed you brushes for the rest of our days. But I knew you wanted something different and it brings me joy almost to excess to know that you have found it. You should know that I have diligently continued my studies of your Barbauld. When you were far, she brought you nearer to me. Upon seeing you today, a line of hers leapt to my mind : We'll bid the violets spring again Bid rich poetic roses blow. The hope in my heart could coax violets out of frozen ground, but only if you wish it. If you do not, I will leave you in peace.