Letter from P.L. Paige to John Greenleaf Whittier, Undated
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I believe that some persons are intensely attracted to others and long to look into their eyes, to touch their hand, to be in their presence. I do not say this is love but strong attachment or I should have said strong attraction. We must recognize the existence of sympathies and antipathies. Why are we acted upon by these sympathies and antipathies? Who can account for them? I am a lonely widow devoted to books and art, the outside world has few charms for me, books are my only society and your poems are my delight and I long to know the grand old man whose sympathies and tastes are so very much in unison with my own.
I have wealth, health in short everything that a reasonable woman could ask except the love and appreciation of some one whom I could love and appreciate, and lacking this all else is nothing, for do I not know by experience that the love of another, sympathetic heart is worth far more than the wealth of the whole world. I think the Brownings had such a beautiful life, they were so truly in sympathy with each other, and this oneness constitutes the basis of human happiness in my humble opinion.
In short will you marry me, I would not hesitate to trust my happiness in your hands. I know this is reversing the order of things, but why should a woman not have equal chance with a man where her happiness is concerned, If I did not ask you I know I could never get you, therefore I throw aside all conventionalities and candidly state that I wish to be called by your name should you concur in the matter. I assume you will never regret it, — now do not say you are too old (I am about half your age) I think this the beauty of life age & experience after a well spent career. When we have “fought the good fight and kept the faith” looking forward to the Crown of glory in store for us.
I need not say more at present, will wait until I hear from you.
Address
P.L. Paige
Sacramento City
Sacramento Co.
Cala,