LETTER XXXII

ANNE GILCHRIST TO WALT WHITMAN

_1 Torriano Gardens Camden Rd. London Feb. 25, '76._

MY DEAREST FRIEND:

I received the paper & enclosed slip Saturday week, filling me so full of emotion I could not write, for I am too bitterly impatient of mere words. Soon, very soon, I come, my darling. I am not lingering, but held yet a little while by the firm grip of conscience--this is the last spring we shall be asunder--O I passionately believe there are years in store for us, years of tranquil, tender happiness--me making your outward life serene & sweet--you making my inward life so rich--me learning, growing, loving--we shedding benign influences round us out of our happiness and fulfilled life--Hold on but a little longer for me, my Walt--I am straining every nerve to hasten the day--I have enough for us all (with the simple, unpretending ways we both love best).

Percy is battling slowly--doing as well as we could expect in the time. I think he will soon build the nest for his mate. I think he never in his heart believed I really should go to America, and so it comes as a great blow to him now. You must be very indulgent towards him for my sake, dear friend.

I am glad we know about those rascally book agents--for many of us are wanting a goodish number of copies of the new edition & it is important to understand we may have them straight from you. Rossetti is making a list of the friends & the number, so that they may all come together.

Perhaps, dearest friend, you may be having a great difficulty in getting the books out for want of funds--if so, let me help a little--show your trust in me and my love thus generously.

Your own loving ANNIE.