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[205] rest belongs to her reserved rights. I pray you speak, if speak you must, so wisely as to make this clear. Launch thunderbolts, or sing songs, as you find fit; but read the preface of my first book, “Country living and country thinking,” and govern yourself accordingly; and I shall be, without any condition, and positively the last time,

Yours very truly, Gail Hamilton.

Upon the receipt of this I wrote again, requesting permission to give the public the above characteristic epistle; which I told her was altogether too good to be buried in my desk; adding that, if she wanted me to behave prettily, she should not threaten me, as a threat always made me “balky;” that it was quite useless also, because I wished and intended to handle her as tenderly as would her own “mammy.” I received a reply, of which this is a part:--

Dear Fanny:
Do whatever you like with the letter; I don't care, and don't think you “must handle me tenderly.” Say anything and everything you like; storm or shine within ) our “sphere.” You don't like threats: strange,--but I will give you one more. If you do write a paper on me, and do not put in any of those impertinences which are so common in newspapers, but confine yourself to that which is common and lawful plunder, I shall not only put you a notch higher than the general run of people, but I shall keep a select corner for you in my private regard and gratitude, where you can come and take a nap by yourself, any time. Now “balk” if you dare I


This, dear reader, by way of preface. Now allow me to say that there are only two things in this world I am afraid -

S. M. Betts and Company. Hartford, Conn. 1871.

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