LETTER VIII.
Reading edition
From John.
THERE IS A SOFT SIDE EVEN TO A STONE WALL.
MY DEAR ARCHITECT: I'm slowly digesting your last production; not being an ostrich, it goes rather hard. For all that, it may be worth thinking of. Perhaps I shall be converted by the time the subject is fully shown up. I suppose we've always looked upon these loose rocks and stones sprinkled about the country as a part of the original curse, and have never thought of turning them to any sensible use, though good old Dr. Hopkins seemed to have faith that their soft side would some time be discov
Mrs. John don't take to the notion of a stone house—not yet. Says they 're wofully old-fashioned and poky,—look like Canadians and poor folks. I just keep still and let her talk,—it's the best way.
Won't such walls be cold and damp? How am I to know whether the stones that I can find are fit to use? Send you a boxful by express?
Yours,
JOHN.