Two Letters
WILL--FRIEND:--Since my last letter much has happened in Manville of
interest to us both--more than I have time to tell now. The schools
opened last Monday, and the children really seemed glad to get
back--especially the dirty ones. I have discovered that work gives more
happiness than idleness and the gossip of the village.
Many versions of the story of our accident have been circulated the
length and breadth of the land. Since then Mrs. Tweedie has kept me at
arm's length, but Fanny has become a real friend, one whom I need and
appreciate.
Every spare moment we spend rehearsing the scene that we are to give at
the club entertainment.
The Morning Glories are blooming all the time, and the entertainment is
expected to be the event of the season.
I called on the Duncans yesterday. Rufe has reformed, temporarily, at
least, and Mrs. Duncan, poor creature, is happier than she has been for
many years.
They had found out who put the flowers on little Bessie's grave, and
were very grateful.
Good Mrs. Stout continues to keep people and things stirred up. I
imagine that her motto must be "The Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing
but the Truth." I never would have believed that the truth spoken at all
times, regardless of anybody and everything, could be so amusingly
disturbing.
What you have written about your work is very interesting--please tell
me more. Whenever I rehearse the part that I am to play there are
many--many lines that send my thoughts to you. The closing words are
best: "All angels guard and keep you."
BARBARA.
_January seventeenth._
Jan. 20, 18--.
MY DEAR BARBARA:--Until I went away and began to receive your letters I
never knew what a real letter was like. When I was at college, father
wrote me a weekly sermon, and mother sent pages of don'ts. They are
doing the same now, but you send me what I need--cheerfulness and
encouragement.
My work continues to be interesting, though hard, but hard work is what
I need, too. Until now, I never knew how satisfying it could be. I never
knew what it was to feel like a man until I began the struggle urged on
by love for a good woman.
From your letters I have received the impression that my native town is
being stirred up in a manner that must be a revelation to the
inhabitants who have been asleep for so many years. If the Morning
Glories never do anything else they will have accomplished a great deal.
I know that you will be splendid in your part, and hope to be able to
come down to see you, but cannot be sure until the last moment.
I have resumed my evening studies and take much pleasure in them.
Since I have been here I have attended church regularly--something that
I have not done since I was physically big enough to refuse--and please
don't laugh when I confess that I enjoy the service very much.
The sermons are different from any that I have ever heard before. The
clergyman seems to be talking to _me_, about clean thoughts and right
living. And when the service is over I feel stronger and better, and
that the world is a beautiful place. It is beautiful, Barbara, because
you are in it. Each day I long so much to see you. What is there that I
would not give for one moment in your presence? As it is, your letters
are my life.
WILL.