I rec’d your very kind and wise letterEditorial Note: This letter is not extant. 4 weeks ago – and attempted to answer at once – but concluded best to wait developments, and be able to tell you something satisfactory. Belle was introduced to the young man by an old friend of mine whom we had confidence in – but it seems she was destined to make trouble for us – for after telling each one what the other said, and so hastening matters on, she suddenly turned round and attempted to turn them from each other – which only acted as a new stimulus to their affections, when they discovered her treachery. I had known her fifteen years – so I did not suspect any evil – as the young man appeared very well, and when she began to talk against him to us – and against us to him. We could only construe it in one way – that it was to her interest to break it off – This blinded our judgement, so when I wrote you before – the young folks were in the full sympathy of those whom treachery has attempted to separate. Nevertheless, it opened my eyes to the fact that it had gone altogether too fast. I have persuaded Belle to listen to the opinions of older and wiser persons, and some who have known the family – that he has not yet shown the business qualifications so necessary to success and she has signified her willingness to wait and let him prove himself true and strong – If she does this – I shall be content – There seems to be no lot on earth free from trial – We were just beginning to enjoy the ScienceEditorial Note: Christian Science so much about the time this woman came into the neighborhood – I found her atmosphere very unpleasant, as she is coarse & has no sympathy for anything beyond material pleasures – She broke up our charmed circle, intruded herself into our society every day – introduced Belle to this young man – made us all a great deal of trouble with her mischievous, malicious tongue – brought me almost to the verge of despair about Belle – I have thought seriously of sending her east to her grandfather Beecher’s in Brooklyn and to think all this, must come just at the beginning of her career was almost too much to endure bravely – Belle is still very much interested in him – but I must wait and see if she is going to hold to her principles – I hope so –

Your letterEditorial Note: This letter is not extant. was a great comfort to me, and I should have written before, but have been so depressed a good deal of the time, I could not write. Belle also thanks you for the letterEditorial Note: This letter is not extant., and sends her love, and desires I know to be worthy of her beloved teachers approval. I cannot thank you enough for your words of wisdom and love – worthy to be transcribed letters of gold.