_My Dearest_,
I did not know but you would like another little note--and I think I
feel a strange impulse to write, now that the whole correspondence
devolves on me. And I wrote my other note in such a hurry, that I
quite forgot to give you the praise which you so deserved, for bearing
up so stoutly against the terrible misfortune of my non-appearance.
Indeed, I do think my Dove is the strongest little dove that ever was
created--never did any creature live, who could feel so acutely, and
yet endure so well.
This note must be a mere word, my beloved--and I wish I could make it
the very tenderest word that ever was spoken or written. Imagine all
that I cannot write.
God bless you, mine own Dove, and make you quite well against I take
you to your home--which shall be on Saturday eveg, without fail. Till
then, dearest, spend your time in happy thoughts and happy
dreams--and let my image be among them. Good bye, mine own Dove--I
have kissed that holy word.