Re: Return letter: Daniel W/Sam A
[Her letter is retained. He can't think of what to send her (Atticus = books, Claire = Italian, Sam = ?). The one he sends back is sealed and addressed only to her.]
My dear Sam,
It is too bad about Caroline, the fragile things in life are fleeting, certainly. But the dead are not scary [He uses her word here, the writing is slightly more upright.] or much to be feared, when they do not have the means to rise again. Caroline was not interested in a life continued in any form.
Tell me what it is you wish to do for yourself that you cannot? What is it that I would have you do that you would not?
It is Atticus and his haunts that are the danger. Stay from him without me there, as they are jealous things and apt to take anything he values from him. Be assured I should like him safe to me as well. If I were to take up my home again, you would come and stay? Who is it that is willing?
I am pleased to hear of your success in the hallowed halls of art. Do not mind critics much, as they say what would be most read, and not truth.