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refreshments were through- I was rather urged into going, from the fact that it was expected of me- do'nt know but I may be indured to go again, but do not think I shall,; how ever it may be for others it seemed both silly and wicked for me to go to these fashionable gatherings of formality and vain display- to stand three hours when weary, talk when there is nothing to say, lose a night's rest, and feel jaded and miserable next day, just for the sake of reminding people that I am in existence, and claim a place in 'society' among the rest of the poor foolish, ephemaral beings of fleeting mortality! I believe I do not enjoy so called 'society' in any form very much, nor ever did,- had rather spend the time reading, or even alone 'meditating': perhaps I ought to mix with my fellow beings more, in a general way, and interest myself in others more than I do- the desire of seclusion or perhaps exclusion may be one form of selfishness. I do believe it is not conductive to the health either of mind or heart to live to a great degree within one's own little circle. This morning just after breakfast Miss Woodbury went to the Post Office and brought me two good long letters one from Isaac as well as yours and Eliab's: how glad I was! I hardly dared expect one from you for I have not written since your last before was received; may thanks for it- to Eliab I shall make my acknowledgements very soon. I am truly glad to hear of your improved health, hope you will be contented to use your powers of locomotion sufficiently sparingly- that you will be really

[left side of letter] Have you seen Mrs. Plummer yet? What neighbours have you? Have you seen Mrs. Hoskins since I was there or any body else that I know? I hope Eliab will look well before he leaps: I give you joy of your widower boarder.- I want very much to hear particulars about E. leaving Brown's whether there was or is, any thing unpleasant wish you would write me all about and then I shall hope to get the whole story. I have commenced a letter to him but shall not be able to finish it till this eve so I can't send both together as I intended. The new Principal has not, it is feared, stamina enough to govern the school; what the result will be I know not. nothing at present but it may be I shall not want to stay myself, always. The ground is covered with snow this morning while the pumpkins and squashes all over the garden half covered with it and dahlias