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