36 INTRODUCTION
the country, it is handed to them by the rich city cousin who has twirled the leaves over and finds no farther occa- sion for it.
I believe and I wish that, if among the million things that are written these little pieces should do no good, they may at least do no liarm : which last aspiration the con- scientious author can hardly be supposed to utter without emotion — seeing how much worse is an ill book than a bad child, because, forever incapable of reform, it goes forth to do evil, but cannot, like the prodigal son, return penitent to its father. The more able, the more hurtful — while, on the other hand, a good book remains forever good, and no influence can corrupt it.
I close with again thanking you for your note, which I have filed away with my precious things. I speak with the more freedom because I feel assured that you yourself will derive pleasure from the thought that your sympathy has afforded so much pleasure to me.
Yours truly, dear sir, with the highest respect and
esteem, t Axr r>
J. W. Randall.
P. S. I am truly sorry to learn from Mrs. Abbot that your health still suffers so much. It would rejoice me, if I could be of any service in lessening the weariness of a few tedious hours. Will you please consider whether you would not derive comfort from having a portfolio of prints from time to time to look over .-* If it should yield you the least pleasure, I will bring and leave at your door one at a time, taking back with me the last when I bring a new one. You might thus in course of time look over the whole collection, except such volumes as are too large to be easily lifted, and these you might easily examine when
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