My Dearest John. --What shall I say?  I have read your letter and my heart weeps.  I do love you with the same unchanging love that I pledged you three years and a half ago.  But how shall I convince you that my heart is true?  Words cannot do it -- but could you look within.  I know you would see that my John fills all embraces all next to my God.  Not for a single moment have I felt that my whole heart did not go out toward you.  I have feared that I should again enshrine an idol in my heart.  Oh I had one once.  Those E. B. letters were all written to him whom I loved more than Him who gave him to me.  You do not know how guilty I was.  I was conscious of my sin, and prayed against it -- but still I worshipped the creature.  My idol was served for a little while you know it was.  And though it was like giving up life itself.  I do think I gave you my idol up to God.  Since those days of deep darkness -- I have loved you -- but I have not idolized you as I did before.  If it has been my daily prayer that I might always be kept from idolatry -- I am proud of you -- and you do not think I am.  I know it is not strange that you think so for I think I have not told you so as I used to.  I dare not trust my weak heart.  I do not pass a day without the fear arising that I shall have a wicked pride -- that I shall forget that it is God who has given you talents and influence.  Oh -- I despise such pride.  I do desire to feel humble.  I am proud in one sense, as opposed to being lifted up.  Yes Dearest, I love you & I am proud of you.  I know I do not seem to you or to myself as I used to.  But for all that my heart has not grown cold. My love is stronger & holier than it was two years ago.  How I love you as belonging to God as well as to myself.  I shall never be false to you.  Oh, John, why have you been suffering these things to trouble you?  Do you think I can forget you?  I believe I know what it is to love you truly.  I am happy in thinking of you.  My happiest thoughts are of you.  I cannot live without you.  There is nothing hidden from you. My secret feelings are not secret to you.

You allude to my conduct last vacation.  I think perhaps you refer to my speaking about teaching.  Oh John -- do not for one moment think that if it were given me to choose between becoming your wife next fall and becoming a teacher I should not unhesitatingly decide for the first.  I remember well how I felt at the time of that conversation.  It seemed to me that you would like to have me teach, provided the place was a good one & I have always felt since I have been here that it would be gratifying to you to have me return as a teacher.  & from that feeling has arisen the desire ever to do so.  If we were sure that we could not be settled before Spring, I think it would be better for me to teach than to remain at home.  I have no desire so strong as to be united with you.  And when I think that it may not be permitted before another Spring I cannot endure the thought -- and when I think that it may be in a few months I am so happy that I cannot without great effort discharge my school duties.  Perhaps my last letter did seem to be wanting in spirit.  I felt very tired when I wrote it -- & it did not satisfy me.  I read it over and it seemed to me that there was not as much heart in it as I wished there was, but I had not time to write another.

My labors will be greater this term than ever before. I feel anxious to do as well in my studies as I can for I know the teachers expect a great deal of me.  

I have had a table given me and one or two other things appear as if there was some confidence in me at least. The girls say that I shall be invited back as teacher next year but I don't expect it. I wish I could see you and tell you all about these things. It is not pleasant to occupy a position which others covet, & which might subject one to envy & criticisms.  

To-morrow we have our first class meeting & I anticipate trouble from it. From some whisperings I suspect that I am a candidate for the Presidency.*  There are two parties -- electioneering &c. What shall I do if I am elected?  I feel that I cannot accept the offer. I do not think I have a single enemy in the class but there are a few as I learn who are anxious to get the power into their own hands. I hope I shall have decision & strength and wisdom to do right. Oh, I [wish?] to tell you of these things for there are no other one to whom I can speak of them.  Pray for me that I may. 

The history of my friend's trials to wh. I alluded in my last involved things of such a nature that upon reflection it seemed best not to commit it to paper.  Things that we could better talk about than write.  

I have been interrupted two hours since beginning this letter and have been obliged to finish it in the greatest haste.  My love I will not neglect you.  Oh tell me when my letters seem cold.  My heart is always warm. I love you increasingly.  Forgive me that I have pained you, I have done it unconsciously.  I love you, love you.  When shall I see you?  Oh, I shall have so much to [?] into your heart.  I must bid you "good night".

I am your own Louisa

Shall I hear from you on Sat.?  If there is anything still unexplained, oh tell me.  I do love you & you must not doubt it.