at some time. I have certainly not intended to, and you must please
forgive me and remember how ignorant I am and how hard it is for me to
express myself properly. I felt after I had written to Mr. Parker's
people that I had taken a liberty, but luckily it was not thought of in
that way by them. If you only knew how far short I fall of my own hopes
you would know I could _never_ boast. Why, it keeps me busy making over
mistakes just like some one using old clothes. I get myself all ready
to enjoy a success and find that I have to fit a failure. But one
consolation is that I generally have plenty of material to cut
generously, and many of my failures have proved to be real blessings.

I do hope this New Year may bring to you the desire of your heart and
all that those who love you best most wish for you.

With lots and lots of love from baby and myself.

Your ex-washlady,
ELINORE RUPERT.




VIII

A HAPPY CHRISTMAS


DEAR MRS. CONEY,--

My happy Christmas resulted from the ex-sheriff of this county being