Friday, June 29, 2012

Pauline Johnson wrote to her protege, August 2, 1911.

"Dearest little Tommy,
It is only a little note, darling, but I want you to know that I am thinking of you very lovingly, that I am hoping for you all that is good, and happy, and inspiring, and noble, and above all, humanizing.  Love is hard to ensnare, hard to appropriate as one's own.  I am so sure H. will make you happy if you will only leave yourself gently and sweetly in his hands.  You looked so well today, so effectual.  I was very proud of my little campmae of years ago, and someway or another I had a certain pride in H. too.  He is very real, Tommy dear, very manly, and devoted.  Try to make him happy as well as yourself.  It is a poor rule that does not swing both ways.  Good night dear old girl, and may all the happiness go forth to you that your first girlish idealization longed or wished for ~ and for my part ~ this. . ." 
Her signature was blurred with tears.  It was the closest she would ever come to expressing her regrets and her longings.  For a brief moment she had let down the barriers."

Chiefswood, Home of Pauline Johnson
Betty Keller, Pauline/ A biography of Pauline Johnson, Douglas & McIntyre, Vancouver, Toronto. 1981

Photo:  lbwalker  http://www.chiefswood.com/

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