PEGGY-IN-THE-RAIN
Mr. Lovering telephoned me this morning of the death by pneumonia of Emma Milburn. She was Thomas Milburn's wife, you know, and Thomas Milburn was my cousin by marriage. Of course, Emma Milburn was no relation to me, but I suppose we should take some cognizance of her death. I shall order flowers sent. You doubtless recall that when your Grandfather Sturges died there was some unpleasantness over his disposition of the property. Thomas Milburn went to law, claiming, I believe, that my father had promised to provide for him. I don't recall the particulars, but nothing ever came of it. As Thomas Milburn was only my father's first cousin once removed, it scarcely seems probable, does it? He never amounted to anything. I refer to Thomas Milburn, of course. Naturally, after the unpleasantness I quite lost sight of them. She could not have been very old, for I remember that she was quite a young girl when she was married. She was a Gorham, from somewhere in New Jersey. I never could remember the names of places in New Jersey. I think it was Plainfield, however. Or is Plainfield in Connecticut? I shall ask Mr. Lovering to inquire into the circumstances. I think there are children. Thomas Milburn never made any money and perhaps we had best make some provision for the children if necessary. Not that I ever believed his story of your Grandfather Sturges having promised him money when he died, but I do think that charity should begin at home when the subject is worthy. I will advise you in my next letter of what Mr. Lovering reports. I hope you are re-
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