Condolences and Feelings and Whatever

[Reuben Crouch]

25 July 1887

Princess,

I read about your sister's death in the paper. I'm really sorry. I didn't realize, when you said that in the park, that it had been so sudden and unexpected. That's really awful.

I'm sorry about your mother, too. Obviously we didn't really get along, but I know what it's like to lose your parents in a sudden accident and no one deserves to have to deal with that.

I guess I probably won't see you around much for a while since you'll be staying at home the rest of the season. I know there's probably nothing I can do to make anything better, but if there is something... just write me if you think of anything and I'll do my best.

Ben

  

[Ellory Pendergast]

July 26th, 1887

Ben,

Thank you for the letter. It's nice to read something genuine for a change. Most of the letters I've received lately are of the generic condolences sort.

Sorry for crying at the park that day. You probably think I'm such a depressing person, now. I'm just so sad about Rosie. She deserved better than that. I never liked her husband and the thought that she died so young and married to him angers me. I'm also not convinced that she did die of a heart attack. Young people of perfectly good health don't just die like that! It's absurd.

But oh, what am I doing. I doubt that you want to read through a rant. Thank you for writing. It really got my mind off of things. Everyone is so sad here and I don't know how to gracefully end this letter.

Thanks.

Ellory