You will
see that I have regarded myself only as a trustee and a beneficiary,
during life, of your self-denying generosity. The day after I
received your gift, I gave the plantation back to you, reserving
only the pleasing privilege of holding it as my own while I lived.
The opportunity which I then hoped might some time come has now
arrived. I can write to you now without constraint or bitterness.
My pride has not gone; but I am proud of you, as a relative proud
as myself, and far braver and more resolute than I have ever been.
"My end is near, and I am anxious to see you once more. The dear
old plantation is just putting on its spring garment of beauty.
Will you not come and look upon your gift in its glory, and gladden
the heart of an old woman whose eyes long to look upon your face
before they see the brightness of the upper world?
"Come, and let me say to the people of Horsford that you are one
of us--a Richards worthier than the worthiest they have known!
"Yours, with sincerest love,
"HESTER RICHARDS LE MOYNE.
"P. S.--I ought to say that, although Hesden is one of the witnesses
to my will, he knows nothing of its contents. He does not know
that I have written to you, but I am sure he will be glad to see
you.
"H. R. LE M."
III.
Mrs. Le Moyne received the following letter in reply: "March 15,
1873.
"MY DEAR MRS. LE MOYNB:
"Your letter gave me far greater pleasure than you can imagine.
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