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and I know we will win. I will
have a very rough draft of a tale
to send thee in a few days- I have
thought up several themes for stories
but it is much easier to plan a
thing than to put it into words; but
if I never do a thing beyond trying
it will teach me to enter more into
the difficulties thee has to overcome.
I simply love to write-just feel in
my element when I have pen &
paper as companions. When thee
comes down thee might make a
few character and house sketches
about the place. Cousin Joe Stabler
and others are certainly types &
I know he would give thee a few
sittings on Sundays or off farm
days -rainy days etc. Father asked
me this morning if thee was coming
back with him. I said I did not know
was afraid to ask for fear thee would
say no. His devotion to Jean is pathetic
though really J. is much better with him.

"Norwood"
May 16th 1900.

My dearie-
I rejoice for thee and all
the city dwellers for this blessed
change of temperature. Thy letter
yesterday worried me very much-
I hoped, though feared the contrary,
that the Studio would
prove cool; but I suppose any place
would be hot with the thermometer
at 101_o. Mary and Stella are
here-they are queer kids, which
I suppose accounts for their
devotion to my unworthy self.

Jeannot has the two little Wetherald
children to spend the day
with him. They have just arrived
and I hope they will get on without
any scraps. J, gets on very well
with every one but young George
Marshall, and I suspect the reason
is that they are both accustomed to
having their own way.