Vassar College, Nov. 22./66.
My Darling Brother,
I have been reading over a letter you wrote to me,
last year, for want of one of a later date, and I feel as though I must write
to you this evening, although I have but a few moments to spare from my
studies. Why do you not wHte to me, my dear brother? Are you very busy?
Can't you find time to tvrite me a line or two once in a while. You don't
know how I want letters from you. I feel tonight that I want to see you so much.
You have always been such a dear good brother to me, I can never
repay you for it. 1 some-times fear you almost think I am indifferent; at
least I used to think so last summer. For I never can find words to express
my-self when I feel very deeply on any subject. But, believe me, there is an
earnest love for you and appreciation of all your goodness to me deep-seated
in my heart, though I may not always be able to express the same to you in
words.
X liave been reading over a letter you wrote to me about a year ago;
probably you have torgotten it. It gave me a full account of how to conduct
my-self, to bring about the most good to my-self, and to fulfill the ends for
which ray Maker has placed me here. It is an excellent letter. I have read
it many times this term, and at each perusal it grows better. I heard from
Carlos a week or so ago; he said he was very busy, and wrote but a short
letter. Mary's letter containing a picture of Robbie has been answered, and
I am awaiting her reply. I can well imagine how busy she is with the care of
Nov. ZZt 1866 - ?,
Robbie, now he is walking. I suppose. How I should like to walk In upon
you tonight. Would'nt you be surprised? Agreeably so I hope?
John, will you excuse the impoliteness of sending you this letter so
awfully blotted, for once? I promise it shall not occur again, I really
hav'ent time to rewrite it.
What are you doing with yourself this winter? Do you still keep up
the "Base Ball"? We had our first snowstorm this year here today. The
snow all raelted as it fell. It is now only a few weeks until Christmas. I
don't know yet whether I shall stay here or not.
Tomorrow evening we are tc have a lecture from a Mr. Plerson of
Water!, rd, N.Y. We are to have a covirse this winter of some seven or eight
lectures. I think that will be nice, don't you? I think among the lecturers
will be Gough, Curtiss, Anna Dickinson, Wendall Phillips on "The L,o3t Arts"
and I forget the others. Our gymnasium-hall is complete now and we have
practiced in it several times. It is as pleasant as can be, and it»s a pretty
sight to see so many rtasooo-girls dressed in the pretty costume, practicing
the movements. There are four classes averag^lng about ninety in a class;
and we have such a pleasant teacher. I think she is one of the loveliest women
I ever saw. I should like to write longer to you, but the study-bell has rung,
and if I do write more my lessons will suffer. I know you would'nt like that,
so I will bid you good-night. Give much love and many kisses to Mary and
Nov. 221 1066 -3
Robbie. Remember me to Mr. Bell's family. Write soon, won't you
please ?
Your sister with love,
Aruii'J.
(Annie (Glldden) Houts, '69,