subjects to keep it occupied, for Señorita California is quite a solid
damsel and far from ethereal, and not at all ghostly, only that look
about the eyes when the lids are drooping, and the complexion.

Don't forget my usual token to Benicia and give her the sketches, but
of course no word of the girl; women never understand such things
properly.

B. L. M.

JOAQUIN.


* * * * *


ON THE NICHOLAUS BERG,

22nd October 18--.

DEAR JOSÉ:

This morning early, I took my walk as usual to the Chapel on the hill;
the day was as fine as the last three have been and I began to feel
better contented with so much Californian weather to help me.

Yesterday I did not think so much of the bridge beauty but today her
strange features have come to me with double vividness, and it was to
escape from this that I took the walk so very early this morning. I
brought my sketch-book with me and expected to pass the whole day on the