I never in my
life saw anything range and run rampant over the ground as cannas do.
The ground is littered with fallen oranges, and the place looks
shockingly untidy, but so beautiful that I am quite willing to forgive
its disorder.
We got here Wednesday evening about nine o'clock, and found all the
neighbors waiting to welcome us on the wharf. The Meads, and Cranes,
and Webbs, and all the rest were there, while the black population was
in a frenzy of joy. Your father is quite well. The sea had its usual
exhilarating effect upon him. Before we left New York he was quite
meek, and exhibited such signs of grace and submission that I had
great hopes of him. He promised to do exactly as I told him, and
stated that he had entire confidence in my guidance. What woman
couldn't call such a spirit evidence of being prepared for speedy
translation? I was almost afraid he could not be long for this world.
But on the second day at sea his spirits rose, and his appetite
reasserted itself. He declared in loud tones how well he felt, and
quite resented my efforts to take care of him. I reminded him of his
gracious vows and promises in the days of his low spirits, but to no
effect. The fact is, his self-will has not left him yet, and I have
now no fear of his immediate translation. He is going to preach for us
this morning.
The last winter passed in this well-loved Southern home was that of
1883-84, for the following season Professor Stowe's health was in too
precarious a state to permit him to undertake the long journey from
Hartford.
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