Leonard feels that he is a stranger to his family. He is staying on George's farm and he and his wife like it there. It has been cold and wet and the excessive rains might have damaged crops but he is hopeful. Will has gone to the Black Hills in search of gold but has only found bad weather. While Will is there is wife went to visit friends. He asks if aunt Matilda arrived at her house and mentions that she must of had a lovely winter, without fear of losing ears, noses, or toes. His daughter Stella is taller than him and enjoys reading and pressing flowers. She had asked for pictures but he is unable to. Although now that the railroad is finished a photographer should come in to take pictures in town. George will answer her a letter soon.