It might not come amiss, dear Austin, to have a tiding or two 
concerning our state and feelings. Our state is pretty comfortable, 
and our feelings are somewhat solemn. We are rather a crestfallen 
company, what with the sighing wind, the sobbing rain, and 
the whining of Nature.

We are enjoying this evening what is called a 'northeast 
storm' - a little north of east in case you are pretty 
definite. Father thinks it's 'amazin' raw,' and I'm half disposed 
to think that he's in the right about it, though I keep pretty 
dark and don't say much about it!

Vinnie is at the instrument, humming a pensive air concerning 
a young lady who thought she was 'almost there.' Vinnie seems 
much grieved, and I really suppose I ought to betake myself to 
weeping; I’m pretty sure that I shall if she don't abate her 
singing.