144
��IN TROD UCTION
��eral of the book-cases has caused my windows to cast their light into alcoves, which also gives room for a sideboard, several what-nots, tables, and arm-chairs, etc. etc. I have put my rotary centre-table into the garret, and have a new one in its place. Most of the pieces are of old mahogany, got to correspond with the other old furniture of the house, some of it being in the fourth generation. Astral lamps at night light all parts of the room, so that I can read at any of my tables, shifting position as I please ; while a nice lounge, covered with cool patent leather deeply stuffed with hair, and great pillows, and india rubber surplus seats, yield in summer a pleasant rest. In winter, my great stuffed arm-chairs, with stands on either side containing undershelves for reference books, with my sea-coal fire blazing through the night, allow the hours of one, two, three, and four to pass sometimes unheeded.
Give my love to Emily, and thank your wife for remem- bering us all, and be pleased to assure her of our reci-
^ " * Your friend,
John W. Randall.
��_ _ Boston, 28th April to 3rd May, iSbi.
Dear Frank,
It was in my mind for several days to write you in ex- pression of my respect and affection for your grandfather, when another blow was struck of which I regret to inform you. Our sister Anna died on the 23rd instant.
She had gone to the afternoon concert at the Music Hall, having been for a year in constantly improving health and spirits. Finding no one desirous of going with her, she reluctantly went alone. A little before the close of
�� �
