[Lydia] Maria [Child] ALS to Anna [Loring], Undated

Dear Anna,

Being offered room in a box
which Lincoln Thaxter is sending home, I take
the opportunity to return some borrowed books,
one of which uncle David borrowed long,
long ago, and I only lately discovered.

The little keepsakes I send to you
and dear mother are trifling; but they
will speak my affection just as well as
greater things.

Last year, and this year, I have given
the greater part of what I had to give,
to poor lonely beings, to whom nobody
else gave New Year's presents. When I
reflect how many such there are all
round me, I have some twinges about