For Bertie

These are scenes and sunny places
On which memory loves to dwell
These are many happy faces
That have known and loved as well
But mid joy or mid dejection
There is nothing can beguile
That can slow the warm affection
Of a true friend’s welcome smile.

Your Friend,
Laura Henry
Feb. 18th 1880

Thanks to Laura H., who says:

“I was very excited to learn about your project in my local paper. I
have long treasured a book I found at my local library book sale titled
How Plants Grow: Botany for Young People, published in 1858. The
inscriptions are lovely and are conveniently dated—1880, apparently a gift
from a young girl named Laura Henry to her friend Bertie Mason. I
bought the book about 10 years ago here in Memphis, TN. I hope you
enjoy these long ago meditations as much as I do.”