Handwritten letter from Pauline “Paul” Starkey Wells in Woodside, Ca to her mother, Caira Skelton Starkey. Paul was very glad to receive her mother’s letter and learn that “her boy” George is “more splendid than ever.” Uncle Robert frequently wishes George were there to illustrate something, and he thinks one day George will equal Nast. Paul has found that although Aunt Em and Uncle Robert are very irreligious, Addie “has strong religious tendencies naturally.” Aunt Em once said she believed the curse of God follows cruel people. Paul replied that God didn’t curse anyone and then “went on talking New Church.” Aunt Em “couldn’t see it,” but Addie, who has now read more Heaven and Hell than Paul, “accepted every word.” Paul reads things in Heaven and Hell that her natural mind cannot believe, yet she has the “most perfect confidence in their truth.” Dave has just interrupted her letter writing to ask her to read Heaven and Hell aloud to him. He didn’t understand it, so Paul spoke to him about it, and he understood that much better. She has not heard whether her parents will allow her to come home, but Paul now thinks she ought to stay as her leaving would upset Uncle Robert’s arrangements. She is sorry the children are not well and hopes they will improve in that healthful climate. She encloses a prescription that Aunt Em intends to use for the whole family if Paul’s father approves of it. Names mentioned: Uncle Robert (Robert Tripp?), Geroge (George G. Starkey), Nast (Thomas Nast?), Addie (Adeline Tripp?), Aunt Em (Emeline Skelton Tripp?)