31701-0177-0004

4xs

perspiration. It leaves me so weak & limp as a wet rag, I haven't the energy to write firmly.

I took another peep at our Camelia. Not a petal is out of place, & it's turned a mellow brown. It should keep forever.

I'm seriously considering to have my native cook teach me a little of his culinary art. He's a wonder.

I inquired whether he was married or not. He said he was, but there were no children. When I inquired where his wife lived he didn't answer for some time, then he broke in dialect & told me his troubles.

Some years ago he left his young wife to work a season at some plantation so as to earn enough money to pay