tattered veil thro’ which you constantly penetrate to the original deformity—Where have I rambled? Poor Mrs. Greene is dangerously ill, her friends have little hope of her recovery. On Saturday she was not expected to live the day,—bled several quarts at the lungs; she is a favorite with all who know her, a most valuable woman. On business:—Mamma told me something about getting muslin for Arixene—a frock to work, but I have forgotten whether she afterwards told me to get it or not. I can get very pretty for 2 dollars or 2 1–2; let me know. Tell Octavia I received the little hat which Mr. Browne bo’t for me in Boston, and shall send the little _tub_ and the rest of the money, as soon as I know she is in Boston. Fashions:—Ladies wear fawn-colored coats and bonnets of the same trimmed with velvet trimming, same color with lappets, cape and inner waistcoat. If I could find an opportunity I should send you a bonnet and Mamma a cap. Adieu,—tell Arixene to write to me. James King writes to Charles King he liked Arixene best of all the Cousins. To Miss Miranda Southgate. New York, Dec. 13, 1807. I have been waiting some time to hear you were in Boston, but as I have not heard from any of the family for some weeks I shall write you and direct to Portland. I am rejoiced to hear that little William continues to recover fast, for Mrs. Derby writes me still later than Miranda that he is almost recovered. How happy you must feel! None but those who have suffered the anxiety can conceive the happiness of such a change. I don’t hear half often enough from you. Miranda writes but seldom. Charles King told me last evening, in his last letter from her she says she is going to spend part of the winter in Boston with you,—from that I conclude you intend going to housekeeping before Spring. I have been making a plan for you to make me a visit next Spring. I think there can be no objection to it; your husband can make arrangements to leave Boston for a month or a few weeks, I am sure. The accommodations in the stage to Providence are so good, you can go in half a day—take passage in a Packet and be in New York in three days with ease. You can either bring William with you, which I should wish you to, or leave him if you prefer it. Indeed I can see no objection to the plan. Your friends in New York have made particular enquiries respecting you. Mary Murray says you have quite given her up, that she has not received a line from you for some time—I don’t remember how long. I believe I told you Mrs. Ogden had lost her youngest child, about 5 months old. Harriet Beam, whom I believe you knew, died last week,—melancholy, so young. Mrs. Derby writes me her Father is still far from strong and firm, tho’ much better; very probable his constitution will never entirely recover this shock. I am much obliged to Mr.