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reliable I believe, though it is well to be in correspondence with more than me. Do you long for eastern life or shall you settle near your father? Aunt Jennie wrote me of your coming as far as Chicago; did you see the Michigan friends? I wish I could see you and talk with you about my life here. In some respects I am very happy. We have a nice large room on 4th floor - two windows - plenty of air and light. From Miss Perrin's letter to me I supposed there would be a fair degree of elegance but the room is quite shabbily furnished - old carpet "centuries old" and hopelessly dusty; the furnace heat does not reach us and so we must have a dirty little stove in our room. However we are warm, well fed and comfortable; we can do without elegance. It is the principle of the thing I am contending for. Your letter giving me an estimate of the members of the household gave me a fresh lease of life, for I was frightened to death (?) and as I have read the open books myself these two months of New York life. I find myself often complimenting you upon your insight into character. I say "Yea and amen" to every verdict you gave. Miss M. is intolerable to me socially speaking. I think her manners are the worst I ever saw. We do not quarrel however, I have too much tact for that. Miss A. is kind not over-thoughful but well-intentioned. She is burdened with care which I would gladly lighten if I could. Superficial in her knowledge + too worldly for a first-class teacher. Mrs. Perrin is ill and keeps her room for weeks at a time. Howell I admire exceedingly. How such a common-sense boy could develop in this atmosphere I am curious to discover. My business relations are entirely with Miss A. and so far as I know they are satisfactory. There are but two boarders and five day scholars in the advanced department - and only three or four children in the primary. I do not see how they can afford to continue the school.