For the rest, I have experienced so much kindness, have met with so many good and warm-hearted friends, that I have been both astonished and affected. I had always heard New Orleans mentioned as a very lively but not very literary city, and Mr. Lerner H. had prepared me to find that the people of New Orleans liked to see that which was beautiful. It was clear, therefore, that for that very reason they would not like to look at me; and yet they have come and come again to me, have overwhelmed me with kindness and presents, as well men as women, and made my days pleasant in many ways. For my own part, I have no other memories of New Orleans but those of pleasure and gratitude.
Octavia Le V. returned home a few days ago. Those eyes, which remained dry and bright when she was in danger of losing all her ornaments and her money, overflowed with tears when she had to part from her newly-found friend. I kissed away the tears from those pale cheeks. I feel that I am heartily attached to her.
Mrs. G. has been an incomparable friend to me at this time when I had to prepare my wardrobe for Cuba—somewhat elegant, and of a light summer texture at the same time—and when I had divers little misfortunes, partly caused by the dressmaker, but principally through my own blunders. You know how annoying all such business is to me; but you can scarcely imagine how I have felt it here, where weariness both of body and mind, as well as ignorance of prices and persons in the dress-making and millinery world, rendered all my difficulties ten-fold. Neither can you at all imagine how kind and amiable Mrs. G. has been during all these great little troubles; her patience, her good temper; nor lastly how well she has helped me with everything. Yes—I am ashamed when I compare myself with her: but then she is one of the most amiable people I ever met with.
In the evening.—I have now had my last drive with
