[Lydia] Maria [Child] ALS to Anna Loring, December 22, 1841

Dear Anna,

I send you a book, by
way of remembrance. I was puzzled to
know what to get, because you have
everything; but as this is an English edi-
-tion, I hope it will be new to you. Some
of the stories are funny, and most of
them entertaining; but the little illustrations
I think are particularly graceful and cun-
-ning. I thought you would be pleased
with the little fairies bobbing in and
out of lilies of the valley, hiding under
mushrooms, dancing on cobwebs, and
fighting with a cockle-fish for possession
of his shell. Will you write me one
of your dear little letters, and let me
know how you like the book, and which
you think is the prettiest story? I should