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New York Dec 20th 1885

My dear Friend

 at last I find an opportunity to answer your very nice and welcome letter, I am dreadfully disappointed you are not in N. York this winter I miss your kind sympathies so much at the same time I am glad to think you can be with your sisters this winter I know how much you will appreciate it and I have no doubt but your sisters will also, just as much, how I envy you that sweet sisterly companionship, few understand it except those who have enjoyed it, and have been deprived of it. I often think what a lonely being I would