Page 200 - The Story of My Lif

as they were acted so long ago. The last act affected us most deeply, and we all

wept, wondering how the executioner could have the heart to tear the King from
his loving wife’s arms.

I have just finished reading “Ivanhoe.” It was very exciting; but I must say I did
not enjoy it very much. Sweet Rebecca, with her strong, brave spirit, and her
pure, generous nature, was the only character which thoroughly won my

admiration. Now I am reading “Stories from Scottish History,” and they are very
thrilling and absorbing!…

The next two letters were written just after the death of Mr.

John P. Spaulding.

TO MRS. GEORGE H. BRADFORD

New York, February 4, 1896.

What can I say which will make you understand how much Teacher and I
appreciate your thoughtful kindness in sending us those little souvenirs of the
dear room where we first met the best and kindest of friends? Indeed, you can
never know all the comfort you have given us. We have put the dear picture on
the mantel-piece in our room where we can see it every day, and I often go and
touch it, and somehow I cannot help feeling that our beloved friend is very near
to me…. It was very hard to take up our school work again, as if nothing had
happened; but I am sure it is well that we have duties which must be done, and
which take our minds away for a time at least from our sorrow….

TO MISS CAROLINE DERBY

New York, March 2nd, 1896.