[Boston—Saturday, 24 December 1870]
Saturday. Xmas Eve. 42 at my Christmas Tree! It was a very symmetrical and pretty tree and the children were in ecstacies not to speak of Grandmamas and everybody who was asked except Aunt Sarah and Fechter who did not get here. I was much disappointed because of the omission. Winnie Howells was in a glorious state of elation and when the time came for her to go she eluded her father with the skill and manner of a colt in an open field.
