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By the way Mary, what do you think of doing by way of employment? Excuse my inquisitiveness, but I was thinking what our heads could bear best. I have often queried what I could do to amount to anything. I have thought some of trying to get into a telegraph office but there is an objection, I might not find a suitable place for a lady provided I could do the business--we labor under some disadvantages do we not in this respect? I have thought too of Clerking it but then who wants to be in a store or shop with the proprietor when customers are miners & here I am staggered? again to teach I ought not, to sew or knit--much I am not able & certainly I am not strong enough to go out to service, so what shall I do? I know what I would do if I could have a chance that suited. I'd get married and make somebody a good faithful wife & thereby fulfill womans destiny--have something to live for beside self. What do you think of this? ha! ha! Now M. don't you mention this "for the world" to anybody, it is for your ears & eyes, nobodys else. I'm not in love & whats more (I have no expectations of marrying) for nobody loves me. so you'll not expect me to leave a life of single blessedness at present, an mor never, unless there is a good warm heart that can beat in unison with mine, a circumstance which is not likely to be found. Enough & too much. for an old maid with no fairer prospects than mine.

in margins: My love to your dear family one & all. I hope to hear from L. & C. before long. How is Mary Lewis? My love to hear. I wish to hear in your next l-- if your brother R. is much sicker? My regards to him. I shall ever remember his kindness to me when among strangers. Have you heard from Emilie lately? I have not since I came home. No letter from Mrs. Nevins for four weeks, I think it is. Please write all the news. Love to Marion? "Can a kiss be sent in a letter?" If so accept one from me. My dinner is over & what do you think I have had Cracked wheat-- Have a swing, bell & a pair of boots--so that I can be out in the air a good deal!--It does my nerves its most good of anything I think. Sister has 23.0 per week from teaching her health is better.