‘_June 20._--Darling Laura, your sweet letter has arrived since I wrote the first note. Would you fairly _kill_ me with kindness? You have already done too much. No, my sweet sister, I would never like to take your money for needless luxuries,--of comforts I have many. Ice is not to be had, is _not_ needed, and I hardly ever even think of it. We are much better without a carriage; walking is more wholesome, and to me more pleasant. I kissed the signature on the cheque--and then--destroyed it! Forgive me! In about two years I have had _three_ cheques declined; so you see that I have enough and to spare. I am quite easy-handed, love; not at all in straits, thank God.’