I got home at twelve and found, to my joy, that none of the men had
returned, so I am safe from their superiority for a while, at least.

With many apologies for this outrageous letter, I am

Your ex-Washlady,
ELINORE RUPERT.




V

SEDALIA AND REGALIA


_November 22, 1909._

MY DEAR FRIEND,--

I was dreadfully afraid that my last letter was too much for you and
now I feel plumb guilty. I really don't know how to write you, for I
have to write so much to say so little, and now that my last letter
made you sick I almost wish so many things didn't happen to me, for I
always want to tell you. Many things have happened since I last wrote,
and Zebulon Pike is not done for by any means, but I guess I will tell
you my newest experience.

I am making a wedding dress. Don't grin; it isn't mine,--worse luck!
But I must begin at the beginning. Just after I wrote you before, there