3

will be extremely gratifying to me. I would not say flattering, for
what has flattery to do with friendship. Believe me, Margaret,
you may place the firmest reliance upon my fidelity. I am
most certain, nothing could tempt me, to an indiscreet disclo-
sure. Your letters are the least confidential of any I receive. Is
this well Margaret? I do think if Mr Smith were my correspond-
ent, he would do better. Several times I have thought of complain-
ing to him of your unfriendliness.

I was quite delighted by my success in drawing the cha-
rachter of Mr Smith. Woud you not have imagined I was a profit of [Acoull?]
had you known that I was entirely ignorant of the art of judging the
character from the handwriting? The postscript was exactly
calculated to please me. I instantly conjectured who the author
was, but did not mention my suspicions, because, I thought, I could
[write?] with more freedom to one who was anonymous.
You cannot imagine how much entertainment it afforded me
nor with what delight I answered it. I should have been
pretty disappointed had you not shewn it to him, for it was written
purposely for his perusal.

This letter has the same fault with yours, there is very little about
myself in it, it is almost too late to apply a remedy now. Nothing
of moment has occurred to me. My life glide on, in the same uninter-
rupted state of tranquility, every week as uniform as the last. I am not
as gay as in days of yore, but have almost regained my former cheer-
fulness. I am happy to hear your time has flown on such downy
pinions: may years elapse before you pass another winter in Philada
How is this, my friend? Still repeating the old story, you will say—
Do not therefore disregard it, it has a powerful claim to my attention,
it relates to the happiness of myfriend. Mama did not mention a word
about Sister Jane in her last letter. Do, Margaret be particular, remember