[42]

Barbara. We know all.

鈥楬ow different it is writing a free and easy letter to you, from a studied one like that to 鈥斺��! I hope that my Laura will not consider Char a conceited old woman, who likes no one to find fault with her writings. But, you see, love, I know nothing of Mr. 鈥斺�斺�榮 capacity to act as critic.... I cannot consent to walk in chains because Mr. 鈥斺�� has a liberal hand and a full purse. I am so glad that I refused pecuniary recompense. In writing I must be free. I hope that I have not made a mistake in putting in as many proverbs as I have done. It was difficult to select. How inappropriate鈥攃lever as it is!鈥攚ould it have been to put in such as this, The sieve said to the needle, You have a hole in your tail鈥�!鈥� ...

鈥楲ike you, I earnestly hope that the Almighty will preserve our dear land from the fearful evil of war. You and I would scarcely now care to sing鈥�