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I hardly know whether it is safe to send a bill in a letter feel a little in doubt about it. I have heretofore lived chiefly in the present, like Isaac, I have plucked the flowers by the way, heard the birds carol, rejoiced in the present sunshine, thinking little of the end of the path. I have in with been finishing my education, gaining knowledge and experience, while shifting along through various services and circumstances;it is well I have needed all the teachings I have had; but the time will come when I shall want a quiet haven to rest in and my idea of home includes 'a local habitation', though not a name; of having a home amongst my friends the idea is far from pleasant the chief happiness this earth can give, consists to me in the enjoyment of family affection and of the social principle in intercourse with friends, here I sometimes feel a solitude of the heart when the knowledge is forced upon me that no one around me however polite and pleasant, cares a straw for me, but I want to look forward to a place I can call home do not want to be an aunt or sister at large, but a daughter sister and aunt at home, but I have not sight to make out any way to fix in my mind that one situation is pleasant another not so, since I know nothing about it save that I have a good home, kind friends and in many respects thus far a favored lot. I have been led into this train of thought by looking forward to next July when Mrs. H. expects to go East to accompany her daughter to South Hadley, having long vacation: then the question is, what shall I do go to Chicago and open a school or some city farther south or go to Jerusha W. & teach there if I can? or take a school in this region either private or public? and so try to amass filthy lucre enough for spending money, then go home and live with you; comfort and assist those who need it or do this last trusting Providence for means. I want to go home it seems as if I could not stay away another year, I want to help you in ministering to Joseph's comfort and happiness; but I have no resource against sickness or old age Does duty require me to bend my

[bottom to top left side of page] if you know how glad I was to receive your last letter you would write me another very soon.