
I received the paper & enclosed slip Saturday week—filling me so full of emotion I could not
write—for I am too bitterly impatient of mere words. Soon, very soon I come my
Darling. I am not
lingering, but held yet a little while by the firm grip of conscience—this is the last spring we
shall be asunder—O I passionately believe there are years in store for us—
years of tranquil, tender happiness—me making your outward life serene & sweet—& you
making my inward life so rich—me learning, growing, loving—we shedding benign influences
round us out of our happiness and fulfilled life—Hold on but a little longer for me my Walt—I
am straining every nerve to hasten the day—I have enough for us all—with the simple,
unpretending ways we both love best.
Percy is battling slowly
doing as well as we could expect in the time. I think he will soon build the nest for his mate.
I think he never in his heart believed I really should go to America and so it comes as a great blow to
him now. You must be very indulgent towards him for my sake dear Friend.
I am glad we know about those rascally book agents—for many of us are
wanting a goodish number of copies of the new edition & it is important to
understand we may have them straight from you—Rossetti is making a list
of the friends & the number, so that they may all come together—
Perhaps dearest friend you may be having a great difficulty in getting the books out for want of funds—if so let me help a little—show your trust in me and my love thus generously.
Your own loving Annie. Mrs. Gilchrist Feb. 25 '76 ans: March 17