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an old established stand. He is tall (six feet) rather elegant in figure, wears his own fine dark hair, (he is twelve years my senior) has a bright pleasant eye the color of Samuel's: his is very gentlemanly, unaffected and sincere in manner, converses well on all subjects with much fluency and probity and has quite a dignified bearing - firm, decided yet mild. no one in his company long would suspect him of playing any false part. To tell the truth I like him: he treats me with so much delicacy, defense, sincerity of interest, that my confidence has been won in return: it has been however a trying question, making my night most as wakeful as the day: but it is now clear and I am happy in the lot appointed me so unexpectedly, and thankful in the blessing - for so I truly regard it - God has given me in this new friend. The commotion of the matter is necessarily hastened by circumstances to which I feel I must yield, though reluctantly. The owner of this stately old house in which Mr. Hopkins now lives, wishes to remodel and raise it from the foundations: the workman are ready to begin and Mr. H. must leave by the first of Oct. perhaps break up and board for no house can be as yet obtained. And they are my friends and protectors and make my present home as you will readily perceive - Emily Coleman can stay only this month, and it is very desirable in my position here that I have a friend to stand by me up to the very time: another reason still, and the best of all is, that the 'tour', is to be to Illinois, and we do not want to be travelling later in the season: only think of it, he has promised me to go and see Isaac! The important day will be in the last week in Sept. we shall start at once for Chicago go to Du Quoin and spend such time as he can spare from his business and return and settle down - good old folks! He has a handsome house, well furnished, and - two little daughters 13 and 7 years old, modest pleasant looking children: the eldest, Hattie is learning {side} I have written to Isaac making inquiries as to the best route of going to him