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Show 126 blessed principles of our gospel, thi.s_ is not the end. The spirit dieth not, it is imperishable"^ " Letters from Milford continue to encourage Ellis. "His love sweetens every pang-it strengthens and urges me on." There are other letters from home. February 21st Received a good letter from my sister Maggie. How kindly she writes. But I fancied I could detect a spirit of sadness in her letter. Perhaps it is because her little one is so delicate. I hope she will soon become well and strong/b Ellis's hopes for this child of Maggie's were realized. Milfor-detta (known as Detta) lived to be 89. The "spirit of sadness" which Ellis thought she detected may have been due not only to this 18-month-old's illness but to Maggie's physical condition. Family records indicate that she must have been in her first trimester of carrying Caroline. A letter from Lizzie receives this reaction: This morning my heart was made to rejoice by the reception of a letter from dear Sister Lizzie. She said much about my dear boys and in such a natural manner portrayed the situation at home that I almost feel like I had really had a peep into that cherished sanctuary. She is studying music and intends to become a professional. I sincerely hope she may. I believe she has the capabilities if all things are propitious. I do hope that Mil-ford's wives may succeed in qualifying themselves for useful and profitable avocations in life, that we may not be such a weight and responsibility upon him, so that he will be able to follow pursuits best suited to his tastes and inclinations, [my emphasis) What a rare mind he has, how keen and quick his perception and judgment. Truly such brilliant faculties as he possesses should not be like the dainty violet "born to blush unseen."27 Emphasis has been added by this author to underscore the contrast between Ellis's magnanimity and some of today's "me generation" motivations. |
