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Only yesterday I sent Editha a letter, including her sister's note to me, in which she announced her visit to us.

 Mother & I are seriously discussing plans for our departure from Palo Alto. The climate here does not agree with Mother - and she wishes to get away. To where, we have

not yet decided - but probably to the southern part of California - We are going down to visit Los Angeles and San Diego soon, and will them make up our minds. I am leaving the decision to Mother - for these are her years. I am alarmed at the change these seven months in Palo Alto have brought! But she is four score and one years - Perhaps it is just the mark of time, not the climate or even loneliness - It wall makes me very sad.

 You too, my dear know the loneliness that consumes me - when the loved ones have passed on - and now your brother has joined the group!  How rapidly our ranks are

thinning! For them, I have no sighs, even if Death means a sleep from which one do not awaken. I know you are sure, we do awaken. But whether or not we do, Death seems a great friend to me - To go yang? and quickly is my fervent prayer. It was so, Gus went, so that in Death at least, he was among the fortunate. As I wrote Hattie, I hoped she would not grieve for him - or regret anything. Even if one is so philosophical, I know only too well, the tragic loneliness that descents upon one. And it does not mean? away. Perhaps for the young it may - but not at our age.

 I wish I could say something that might make the sorrow easier to hear. I feel helpless in doing so.

on side, in different ink: Amy: This refers to the death of my brother. you know, however, that I consider death but a door into a larger life, Nora. When you come I'll let you read my answer to Emma, kept a copy - don't want to send it to my climr?ys?