[Boston—Friday, 8 February 1867]
Friday. Warm with water running in streamlets over the streets. The first intimations of Spring. Little voices calling to us as the roots stir with the first touch of new life far down in the still earth.
The Hawthorne children came down to pass the day & night. How glad I am to do what I can for them! But they need a directing hand stronger than their mother’s. Home and America are bad for them—too much ease—too great temptations to spend money. They talk of going to Heidelberg. I hope they will manage it.
