20 ELIZABETH CARY AGASSIZ 
himself and must therefore be thoroughly acquainted 
with it. 
Mother has been proposing to us today a little al- 
teration in our plan of reading. She thinks that a va- 
riety of reading would be better and wishes us to read 
every other day Combe on the Constitution of Man. 
Mary is not much pleased with the plan, as she is so 
much interested in Ferdinand and Isabella that she 
does not like to go to anything else. I think that it is 
a very good idea, because Mr. Combe’s book would be 
perhaps a better exercise for the mind than such in- 
teresting histories as we are now engaged in. 
We are having quite remarkable weather here. 
Day before yesterday was so warm that we had the 
windows open and the blinds closed in our room asif it 
had been a hot day in summer. And yet it is but a fort- 
night before Thanksgiving. How strange it will seem 
to have you gone, at that season of pies and pud- 
dings! How much we shall miss you! 
An entertainment was given to Mr. Combe and 
his wife last evening. Its expenses were paid by sub- 
scription. An elegant collation was given at the end 
of the evening. About a hundred went and speeches 
were addressed by several gentlemen to Mr. Combe 
to which he replied. It was altogether a very elegant 
party. 
Caddie and Mary send their love, but Sallie wishes 
me to write in her name, “Love me, Papa, for I love 
thee.” 
Yours affectionately,. 
E. C. Cary 
