.MjEw.NDc0OTQ

Dearest Johnny July 4" Indeed I have not[underlined twice] forgotten at all, you are continually in the recesses of my heart, but I knew you were happy, and busy about your own affairs and would not think of feeling[underlined] neglected if I did not write to you. I felt afeared also that we might be silent a while and suffer no diminution? of affection. I have had so many things to try me dear Johnny, but I greater one is now upon me, you need no introduction to know I speak of Romaine's madness, it deserves no other name, to think of her entangling herself with such an hideous, conceited, disagreeable little piece of deformity as Nick. I wish his namesake had him, no not exactly, but I wish he was in Guinea or Australia Pa and I feel that we have been greatly imposed on and advantage taken of us by that family. Well the little fool wrote to all of us, his fulsome letters, I would not take mine at first and was very angry with Romaine. Pa answered his and invited hiim over, that he might see him! and lo? when he came he was so shocked with his mean and dwarfish appearance he knew not what to do, he wished a talk with me. I told him plainly[underlined], I was too much shocked and surprised to give an answer and positively declined committing myself in any way for the future &c&c, but had no objections to his family or his character and standing, told him too I was very much offended that the thing had been done in his Father's house and I thought they had both acted very rashly? and improperly Pa told him much the same and that his appearance indicated a very feeble constitution? and consequently bad health, which objection? he considered sufficient and permanent

[[Written on right side-- + I take back these ugly expressions I was too much excited I will try to think better of him and I say no more. if I find Romaine really loves him]]