What shall I say pretty enough for thanks for so pretty and useful a presentEditorial Note: This is a reference to a birthday present Alice M. Sibley gave Mary Baker Eddy. It is not known what the present was. Eddy’s birthday was on July 16.? This I will say, that I only ask to be thought grateful for your many offices of kindness, and that you have my love without the many sweet testimonials you give me of yours, and yet I value them all above rubiesProv 3:13 ¶Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. Prov 3:14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. Prov 3:15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Prov 31:10 ¶Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. because they say—Alice, sweet Alice, remember me more than they all. I never had a birth-dayEditorial Note: birthday present until you gave me one.

Oh Alice, how sincerely I pray that my cruel enemies can never change your affection for me, and I know that mine for thee will never diminish while thou art the same pure lovely child as now

I am looking forward now in one week or less but I think about one week from Monday As Written: Mond next to have you come and see me.

The students will have a picnic soon and I want you to be with us, if pleasant to you, but the fact is when they are buzzing around me I have little time for those sweet moments that I so much love with my arms about you talking of things that we enjoy. All the disparity of age passes from my sight and we are unmindful of that I am young or you

are older then. My best regards to Mama and the household