236. Answer to the Above.
L——, January 13, 19—.
Dearest Edward:—
The snow is twenty inches deep, and we are almost buried. Jim brought me your letter this morning. He was quite exhausted ploughing his way up to the house. "Thought it would pay me, Polly," he said, "to see the love-light in your eyes." Dear, lonely old Jim, so faithful and unselfish! Mother brought him in and gave him a cup of coffee. I don't know why it is, Edward, but sometimes I want to share my happiness with everybody, and then again I like to feel that it is exclusively my own. It is splendid of you, Edward, to be working so hard, and I am proud, and proud that you love me. I have also been working hard since yesterday morning. You could never guess at what. Mother and I have been cataloguing and arranging the books in the school library; you cannot imagine what a task it was. And this evening Mr. Melville is coming around to consult with mother about library methods, and how to manage the circulation of the books. I am going to ask him to mail this letter for me, so must finish it as quickly as possible.
Yes, Edward, I do remember that May sunset from under the apple tree. It is very long ago. We were only children. I didn't know what love was then—how deep and strong. Beloved, I never forget you, never pause in my loving of you.
Your own
Mary.
237. Another Letter from a Gentleman to His Fiancée.
S——, December 14, 19—.
My Darling:—