In all this time—nearly eight years—we had never met, but she had sent invitations like the following:— AMHERST. DEAR FRIEND,—Whom my dog understood could not elude others. I should be so glad to see you, but think it an apparitional pleasure, not to be fulfilled. I am uncertain of Boston. I had promised to visit my physician for a few days in May, but father objects because he is in the habit of me. Is it more far to Amherst? You will find a minute host, but a spacious welcome.... If I still entreat you to teach me, are you much displeased? I will be patient, constant, never reject your knife, and should my slowness goad you, you knew before myself that Except the smaller size No lives are round. These hurry to a sphere And show and end. The larger slower grow And later hang; The summers of Hesperides Are long. Afterwards, came this:— AMHERST. DEAR FRIEND,—A letter always feels to me like immortality because it is the mind alone without corporeal friend. Indebted in our talk to attitude and accent, there seems a spectral power in thought that walks alone. I would like to thank you for your great kindness, but never try to lift the words which I cannot hold. Should you come to Amherst, I might then succeed, though gratitude is the timid wealth of those who have nothing. I am sure that you speak the truth, because the noble do, but your letters always surprise me. My life has been too simple and stern to embarrass any. “Seen of Angels,” scarcely my responsibility. It is difficult not to be fictitious in so fair a place, but tests’ severe repairs are permitted all. When a little girl I remember hearing that remarkable passage and preferring the “Power,” not knowing at the time that “Kingdom” and “Glory” were included. You noticed my dwelling alone. To an emigrant, country is idle except it be his own. You speak kindly of seeing me; could it please your convenience to come so far as Amherst, I should be very glad, but I do not cross my father’s ground to any house or town. Of our greatest acts we are ignorant. You were not aware that you saved my life. To thank you in person has been since then one of my few requests.... You will excuse each that I say, because no one taught me.