Thank you for your telegram. It has encouraged me to accept an invitation for the coming Saturday evening, albeit T could wish that my party frocks did more closely approximate the whimseys of this port. Do not. let my parents suspect this, for I hope I have a capacity to rise above the length of my skirts and the cut of a bodice. IT shall never admit to any of the minxes at our boarding house but what I am_ perfectly content with my outport wardrobe. If opportunity offers, however, for any outside work, such as I am assured there will be, shall invest any extra emolument in, fripperies if I do naught therewith but hang them in my clothes press and say to my acquaintances that I much prefer my original outfit But Tom, will you tell me at once whether the Tango may be learnt by mail? If there is such a thing as a Correspondence Course in Hesitations and Foxtrots I would pay a round price therefor: Fain would I go to a teacher but I cannot find any new addresses by myself in this strangely numbered town and I could never let any ove in Shanghai know of my intent. If only Lcould talk glibly of the different steps I could then refuse to execute them, but at present I feel most untutored in the graces of the city. Every day I am led to realize that I am but a worm from an Outport but this worm does not intend to be trod if so be she may prevent it.
Prithee, do not neglect to give me any counsel that may avail me in my present extremity and know that I am, Your grateful cousin,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.