My Darling Edith:—
I have planned that this letter should reach you on the morning of the 27th, which is your sixteenth birthday. Your father, brothers and sisters desire me to speak for them, and to say how sincerely we send you a thousand good wishes on this happy day. If only you could have been at home with us, that we might have had one of those old-time festivals! But, dear daughter, the path of duty demands many sacrifices of us all. You are where it is best for you to be, fitting yourself for the serious but delightful duties that must sooner or later demand your attention.
A little box, which I hope has reached you safely, contains some trifling tokens of affection from each one of us, which I know you will appreciate to the full. The box also contains the materials for a pleasant little entertainment, which, I have no doubt, Mrs. Dash will allow you to give to your school-fellows, as I have written to beg a half holiday for the occasion.
God bless you, my dear Edith, and may every succeeding year find you increasing in all that is wise, in understanding and in beauty of character, is the earnest prayer of
Your affectionate
Mother.
123. From a Son to His Father, Expressing Dislike of His Present Occupation.
C——, April 15, 19—.
Dear Father:—
I feel that you will be disappointed at what I am about to say, but, after due consideration, hope you will not think I am altogether wrong in frankly stating my dislike for office work. I have now been here nearly six months, and find this employment as little to my taste as when I first began. Have tried my best to form a liking for the work, but am quite sure I shall never get on in this kind of occupation.