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help me to make the best of it. My desire to help
Julia is a strong point in favor of the journey.
It would be, I think, a turning-point for her.”
Later she writes:--
Chev has taken our passage in the Asia, which sails on the 13th proximo.
So we have the note of preparation, and the prospect of change and separation makes us feel how happy we have been, in passing this whole winter together.
The remaining days were full of work of every kind.
She gave readings here and there in aid of the Cretans.
Ran about much: saw Miss Rogers's deaf pupils at Mrs. Lamson's, very interesting.... For the first time in three days got a peep at Fichte.
Finished Jesse's “George the third.”
Went to Roxbury to read at Mrs. Harrington's for the benefit of the Cretans.
It was a literary and musical entertainment.
Tickets, one dollar. We made one hundred dollars. My poems were very kindly received.
Afterwards, in great haste, to Sophia Whitwell's,1 where I received a great ovation, all members greeting me most affectionately.
Presently Mr. [Josiah] Quincy, with some very pleasant and complimentary remarks on Dr. Howe and myself, introduced Mrs. Silsbee's farewell verses to me, which were cordial and feeling.
Afterwards I read my valedictory verses, strung together in a very headlong fashion, but just as well liked as though I had bestowed more care upon them.
A bouquet of flowers crowned the whole, really a very gratifying occasion.