Your letters confirm my own opinion. In fact I hardly needed your evidence, but Charley insisted upon it as being his right, everybody else some on the other side having testified to things which you were in a position to explain, justify, or contradict.

Now we will let the thing drop, entirely. It was a case of magnifying nothings into somethings; of color-blindness created by passion; of distortions of motive & purpose produced by prejudice.

To my notion, the benefits have been enormously one-sided. You have given your mother & grandmother a good home all these years, & better rooms than you kept for yourselves; Charley has extricated your mother’s investment from jeopardy & probable loss, & added largely to it; & in return you have had a couple of difficult invalids to take care of, & difficult minds to please—impossible minds to please.

Charley’s record shows up clear & strong. Therefore, let this queer nightmare dissolve & pass away—give it no further thought. You have borne your part in the long trouble well, Annie, & deserve a long vacation of peace, now; & will have it & enjoy it.

Your aunt Livy & I do not wish to ask you any more questions; & are sorry to have had to give you any pain at all in this matter. We call off the inquisitorial dogs, now, & send love to you & Charley, & best wishes for a better time henceforth.