hospitalities and good-neighbourhood, a smile of welcome from mine hostess and a gentle voice make a sauce that is savoury for anything; and the poor—I do not mean more especially objects of charity, but those who are in a more humble sphere of life than it has pleased God to place you—never lack, as in your sweet little heart I am sure you never do, in consideration for them. I must not caution you against the bad taste of patronizing, for your manner of life and good-breeding secure you against that. What I meant was merely to caution you against the foolish habit of waiting to be spoken to; speak to everybody without waiting.
There is no trait perhaps more winning than that of a generous confidence. Self-examination—constant, close self-examinations—are indispensable; there are some that may be made all the better with the assistance of your husband—make them. Confidence begets confidence.
I would have you both bear in mind that this is the time for you to accommodate and adjust yourselves to each other, and with two such comely dispositions to work upon, this may be soon accomplished, and that so thoroughly that all your future life will abound in the good results.
Then, too, my dear, you must not forget to treat with affection all Mr. Corbin's friends and relations. They are disposed to be kind and good to you—meet them a little more than half-way. As for reading, with your good taste you cannot go well amiss; only, in selecting authors, do not select merely for amusement—select for profit also.
I am writing you a very disjointed letter, my love, but I have been thinking so much of you, and missing you so sorely, and loving you so tenderly, since you went away, and my heart was so full, and my head so empty, that I hardly know what I have said. Did you plant the yellow jasmine at Farleyvale? 'Tis the grand scion of the one I courted your Mother under, and I wish it, or a slip from it, to be planted over my grave.
The boy will go down to see you on his own hook next Tuesday—great boy that! You and Wellford should write by every mail to us. Good-bye, and God bless you both!
Your affectionate Dad,
