Won’t you take the enclosed $25 & buy some Xmas trifles for Annie & her family by way of remembrance from Livy & me? It seemed to me that this might answer every purpose, & be a great help to Livy, whose invention is pretty thoroughly taxed, just now, with trying to select just the right sort of Xmas rubbish for her wide circle of friends, relatives & servants. I ought to be an assistance to her in this matter, but I ain’t. She has to do it all.

Jean is as fat as a watermelon, & just as sweet & good, & often just as wet. We all send love & Xmas greetings to you & ma—& we hope ma still grows in grace, & also physical health & comfort.