Dearest wife.
I have nothing to say except that a hen has vouchsafed to lay two eggs in our barn, and I have directed that one shall be left as a nest egg; so that you can have a fresh dropt egg every morning for breakfast, after your return.
Una has considerably improved our table; and I like this new cook much better than poor Ann.
Do not mind what Una says about staying away longer, but come whenever you like; though I think you have hardly been away long enough to want to see us again.
Thine
N. H.
TO MRS. HAWTHORNE
Boston, July 3d, 3½ o'clock