03. Nellie's Letters, 1863-1864

my acquaintance, so I have had my hands full to play the agreeable to them all, and have flirted just a little I'm afraid, City life doesn't tend to make me any better, I am getting to flirt as much as other girls, you know what a steady prim little maid I used to be.

I don't mean to say that I am not just as prim, I think I have more dignity, but that I have not that holy honor I used to have of playing a part, -- Byron protests sometimes but I tell him its the only way to keep my heart, and I mean to save that until the right one is sent by fate, -- or any other woman, -- I shall not love you, and you may come on with your court marshal if you choose, Be sure and get a good looking one and perhaps the court wouldn't

be so hard to take, -- who knows?

Have a piece of maple candy! Byron has just brought me some. Do you suppose the boy thought I needed sweetening? If I thought he did I would stop and resend it. He has also given me some plums and I mean to send you a bunch, perhaps they will get jamed but at any rate I think they will remind you of Maine and your boy hood.

It's almost time for May flowers, I shall want to be at Norway then, but that will be all the good of it, I can not yet.

Your messages shall be delivered to Lue, and the kiss to your Mother, if my courage does not fail me at the last moment.

You know I am a bashful child, and often can not do that

which I would. I am going to Church this afternoon, and it is almost time. Will you go too? Very well. I expected nothing else than a refusal, By the way its leap year, had you thought of it? Don't you wish I would propose? I've half a mind to, but I'm afraid you will ----- which is it, refuse or accept?

Am going tonight to vespers with -- a friend of mine. Wonder if I had not better try my fortune coming home! I'll think about it.

I must stop writing or be late to Church. Which is the greatest evil! I want to avoid that.

Good bye Harry -- be a good boy and do just as I say in all things and I'll think of you every day for a month.

Always your friend

Nellie

Monday afternoon, -- I forgot to send this letter after all. Too bad, isn't it? Well that Capt. Land is the whole cause of it. He shouldn't have come for me to go to Church! It was altogether too serious an affair and confused my inexperienced, little pate, but I went and your letter didn't. That is all. I didn't "prop" to him as I spoke of doing. The moon wasn't bright enough and the Capt. was not very good natured, so my courage evaporated. -- But there will be one more chance, I am going to a Lecture with him Tuesday evening, and if "nothing splits" (one of Wash's expressions) I mean to try my luck. Do you wish me success? He has nice black eyes.

Byron sends regards. I consider this a long letter -- longer than you deserve, so I propose to stop. As ever, naughty Nell

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