L[ydia] M[aria] C[hild] ALS to Louisa Loring, December 18, 1842

who sold his shadow, there is a person who
pulled horses out of his pocket, or anything
else that a body wanted, at a moment's
warning. I think John ought to bear his
name.

I cannot say I wish I was to be at the Fair;
for I never wish to be at any large gatherings
of any kind. I would, in fact, be excused from
ever hearing a stranger's voice again. Yet I
shall doubtless form acquaintance with many
more strangers; for my busy sympathies will
lead me into it, whether I will or no. Nothing
amuses me so much as the wondering respect
of Samuel Colt. It is evident that he never
met with such a woman before, and had no
idea that God ever made such a one. How
should he? His acquaintance has been among
officers' wives, and other phantoms of their sort.
He evidently considers me as interesting a curiosity
as a stone from the moon. I have no doubt
he would blow up any packet full of people,
if I were to signify that the sight would give me