But in the places where it isn't faded and where the sun is
just so--I can see a strange, provoking, formless sort of figure,
that seems to skulk about behind that silly and conspicuous front
design.

There's sister on the stairs!


Well, the Fourth of July is over! The people are gone and I
am tired out. John thought it might do me good to see a little
company, so we just had mother and Nellie and the children down
for a week.

Of course I didn't do a thing. Jennie sees to everything
now.

But it tired me all the same.

John says if I don't pick up faster he shall send me to Weir
Mitchell in the fall.

But I don't want to go there at all. I had a friend who was
in his hands once, and she says he is just like John and my
brother, only more so!

Besides, it is such an undertaking to go so far.

I don't feel as if it was worth while to turn my hand over
for anything, and I'm getting dreadfully fretful and querulous.