Fan Letters
Brine, Louie
Dear Mrs Wetherell
I hope you will excuse the liberty I take in writing to you, but I realy feel like thanking you from my heart for writing “The Wide, Wide World.” I received the book for a Christmas present and I have read it 6 times. I can not tell you I how I love, yes love it. I use it as I do the Bible for comfort. I thought to-day, as I was reading in it, that I would like to write to you and tell you how much good that book does me. “Ellen” & “Alice” are as real as any friends I have. When I feael angry or out of temper I read in the book and find out how Ellen fought against temptations, and I am instantly put wright in tune again and feel good desires; when I want to hear some good advice I go to Alice and take the lessons she gives Ellen to myself. It was that book and one called “Ada & Gerty” that first made me feel a desire to do right. If the book has done as much good to other girls as it has to me the Authoress should feel very happy indeed.
I ask you again to please excuse my writing to you. I am 14 years old now and if I live to be 12 times 14 I never shall let Ellen & Alice go away from me.
Whishing very much to see you I will close, not knowing whether or not this letter is right.
Your sincere admirer
Louie Brine
P.S. Is the story founded on facts?