Esme and I did, however, truly enjoy the trip to Knoxville. After so many years it was quite strange to return and discover things so unchanged and yet so different from the memories I had held. Esme charmed the dignitaries, one and all. I believe the headmaster at Halperth Academy was near ready to write odes to her eyebrows. As per usual, my dear wife remains unaffected by the unique effect her wit and humor have upon the male species.
Esme wanted me to be sure to mention to Agrippa that Reverend Tewksbury has retired and his son-in-law, Reverend Hightower, is now pastor of the church. The new reverend was a friend of the twins when they were children. The man is actually a very exceptional preacher. I was quite surprised myself, but Esme was not. She assures me that the worst sinners always make the best preachers.
Yohan is doing better now that the weather is warming up. The cold bothers the arthritis in his knee, but he rarely complains. He continues to talk about his visit to Ben and Adelaide in Washington, D.C. Meeting President Cleveland and playing with the gentlemen of the symphony now figure largely as the highlight of the old man's life.
Mother is doing well, the twins keep her busy. Not just playing with them but replanting all the flowers those two manage to trample.
I'm sure you heard the story about when the boys were born, and Esme named them Herbert and Hubert. I felt, and continue to feel, that the names are far too prissy for a couple of Tennessee storekeeper's sons. Esme disagreed with me completely and declared that I knew nothing about naming children. She stated before the whole company at the visiting that were I to name the boys I'd undoubtedly call them Catfish and Crappie. To her horror the names stuck. She was especially disheartened when the boys returned from their first day at school with their nicknames written neatly on their slates.
I do hope that perhaps late in the summer you will come again to visit us. The trout spawning was extremely successful this year, and I am eager to show you my new design for races.
I must cut this letter short as the boys are waiting upon me. We are doing a little project together this spring. I'm allowing the boys to help me repaint the house. White is such a lifeless color, I've decided it should be blue. In the mountains there is just simply not enough sky.
As ever,
Cleav
