But speaking of promptness. had a chit from one of those Chicago cousins of mine I love go much the other day and she said that I seemed so far away now that she would have to start her tittle annual remembrance off to me early, but of course I wouldn't peek at itt till Christmas morning. Annual remembrance nothing! She never even sent me a five cent card till I got out here where I could sani er hinese silk and embroidery in return. The customs declaration stated that the value of the enclosed was Gold $10, and so Thad to pay Mex $2.35 duty on it.
was mad enough to chuck it in the fire unopened, but then 1 thought she might have got religion or received a legacy or something so that the thing would be worth shrafing. But it was a boudoir cap made of flimsy georgette and cotton imitation filet, the kind that retail for $1.50 marked down to_98 cents. I'd lose face even with the amah if she ever saw me wearing it!
But I have thought out a double cross for ETsa all right and if you'll only help me, I'll send you a boudoir cap that you wouldn't be ashamed. to wear to a fire if you'll get her a respectable sort of handkerchief, to be on the safe side you'd better pay a dollar and a half on it,—I don't want the poor fat head to be out of pocket on this Christmas swap—and the enclosed card of mine. Address herewith. I'm writing her, not letting on of course that her touch" ing little token has been received, and saying that I have learned that my friends and relatives had to pay so much duty on the things I've sent them that I haven't the heart to put them to so much expense again and consequently am having all my Christmas presents bought and mailed_ in the States. Incidentally I let drop @ casual remark to the effect that it was just as expensive to receive cumshaws from home at this end of the line and I hope that will set her to thinking.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.