Domestic Poisons: clue #2

February 25th, 1892

Dear cousin,

It gave me such joy to read your letter and hear your blessed news!  I wish I were able to be of some comfort in your confinement, but as the little one is not yet weened, I remain for a time home bound.  The melancholy of which you speak is hardly a surprise, being a common symptom of the condition that we wives hide deftly for the sake of our husbands.  The days are still short, and the sunshine scarce.  As spring arrives, your spirits may lighten.  Take care to stay warm and dry, although a brisk turn about the gardens for no more than ten minutes may improve the constitution of mind and body.  I have sent some of the tea my mother-in-law recommended to me, as I found it relived the sickness of these early days.  Perhaps your mother can be of some assistance in keeping house until you are recovered?  I know a nervous presence may bring about a sense of unrest, but she means well.

I shall knit you some caps and socks in my free hours.  The new lamps have made my nights like daylight and I fear I may never sleep again, so caught up am I in my work without the strain of the eyes begging me to slumber.

Keep well, sweet Tillie.

With much affection,

Maude