unknown date (Marjorie to Conrad)

My Dearest Conrad,

I do hope and pray that you are well and happy, though by virtue of your long silence I begin to fear that you may be neither. I have tried to remain patient, and you mustn't think that it is with any impatience or spirit of reproach that I finally address your laxity in correspondance. Indeed, I trist you so implicitly that I cannot but ascribe to you the very best and kindest intentions in everything. Knowing, though, how great a comfort our correspondance has been to both of us. I have difficulty imagining that you have let lapse without some grave reason. It is wondering what this reason might be that torments me, and prompts me to write to you with the true feelings of my heart. If you are unwell, it would be such a blow to me, given that Mother's state grows ever worse, that I think I should almost prefer to know I had incurred your displeasure in some way.

If this is so, I can't imagine how. I have done nothing but love you most devotedly... dreadfully, as your new friend would say. Do forgive me and write, darling. Even a line will relieve my spirits. I live in a most oppressive atmosphere, and I know your words could lift it.

Always your own,
Marjorie