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South Hadley, March 16, 1852. Dear Sister Margaret: I have I feel followed your example too closely and delayed this much too long Would that I could excuse myself so completely as you. I know I might plead many duties to occupy my time, but there were some little 'odds and ends' that I might have employed in answering your letter. I will therefore "Lock? the dead past bury it dead" and saying no more about it hope to be more prompt in future. You were much mistaken in supposing we had no school Christmas. The holidays were past so much as other days that they might have unclear without our knowledge, and we have entered the new year all unconcious, had not Mr. Hawk mentioned it at devotions that morning. I thought of you much that first day of the year and of Ellen. I should like to write her a letter of advice, but, Margaret, how can I? I know nothing of that tumultuous sea on which she has embarked. I cannot warn her of the shoals and quicks and nor of the rocks which be concealed by a little water, for I know not where they are: You. Margaret, have exposed it a little way and are much better qualified than I