[Boston—Wednesday, 20 December 1865]
Dec. 20. How the days have sped away and without one word here to record them. I hope it is better so. Bayard Taylor made us a pleasant visit and we had a delightful dinner (at least it was so to me and I believe to others during his stay) we were nine at table all poets—Mrs Aldrich & myself the only ladies. Longfellow, Lowell, Holmes (Prof. Greene not a poet to be sure). They were all in charming mood.
Now Christmas is close at hand and I am busied with a tree for the children. A busy lovely time—not too busy to seem beautiful through kindliness.
