07. Nellie's Letters, May 12-June 29, 1865

a few moments and then had the pleasure of welcoming Byron and his lady, Miss Robinson, Hattie for short. We were taken to the hotel where I stayed to keep her company until Friday. We went to rides every day and had a delightful time. Wash came Wednesday and Ned Thursday so our family were all together.

The twain were made one at 9 1/2 O'clock Thursday morning and at 11 went on their way rejoicing. It was a quiet pleasant affair, and brother Bolles of Portland tied the knot in a short impressive manner, Oh! I must tell you a little incident. You must know firstly that it is an ancient sign that she who first sits down in the brides chair will marry next. Well,

I had never heard of it, so sat myself down by Add in the most unsuspecting manner and of course got laughed at and joked unmercifully. Byron says he shall not wait many years, and that would prove that the fates are inclined to favor you. Since nobody else is foolish enough to want me. Are you sure you do? It seems almost impossible to believe any one can.

I confess I am much disappointed that you are not coming to Maine this summer. I want very much to see you and settle affairs in some way -- perhaps to suit you, but I want to feel certain I am right before the final step is taken, and must see and hear you once more ere that certainty is mine.

Nevada seems very far away. I wish you might have found something that would suit you in California.

I should prefer to go to the latter place.

I told Hattie Robinson your message and she put up her little mouth and gave me a sweet kiss saying 'twas for you. Shall I put it in the letter or keep it where she put it?

I think you would like her. She is pretty and very winning in her ways. We are all glad that Byron was so fortunate, they will not be married very soon. B__ has just made her a present of a pretty diamond ring -- by the way -- I believe your lady is to wear one when you are unfortunate enough to become engaged? Yes, I heard you say so,

"The day is most fair -- There is balm in the air and the royal ripe roses hang heavy with dew,"

Almost too fair it has been, because it kept me from going down to Church. The heat has been intense for the past two days but 'tis just the weather I like, only I don't want to feel that I must make my exertion. -- Just to keep quiet, listen to the droning of the insects and dream the rich hours away is all I want. Lazy? Of course 'tis, but it's fun.

What do I care if people do say I'm lazy when I know that if occasion require I have the strength and ability to do my whole duty? -- "I'll be gay and happy still"! Probably I shall never see calmer days than these so I mean to make the most of them.

Your last letter was a long time coming (dated 15-ult.) and my thanks are due for it. Harry please forgive me but I've not told your mother as you asked me to because I thought she would feel hurt if she knew you found time to write to me and did not to her. -- was it very naughty in me? Then too I was afraid she might ask to see the letter and I could not let her see it.

Wash is looking first rate and seems very glad to get out of the service. Kate and I have been hulling strawberries. Won't you have some with this nice thick cream? Delicious aren't they? Of couse passing through my fingers had nothing to do with it!