My Mrs. Stinchfield,
Ben has written to me that you were ill. I am very sorry to hear that; I hope that it is nothing serious and that you shall be all well very soon. Dear old Ben keeps on worrying whether he is not writing too much - as it his letters could bring anything to me but pleasure - except when they contain bad news about anyone I care for around Farmington - and there are many of those people! Everybody loves Ben and hence has taken to me, his friend, very well and I cannot possibly thing of Farmington as of a strange, unfamiliar sort of place.
This week I was working on the afternoon shift, from 3pm-11pm. Walking home in the midnight along a mile of desolate railway track has a fascination all of it's own! There are bears afoot, so I am told but why should I worry? At least there are no bandits to hold up and burglarize anyone!
About a week ago, I had a nasty cold and had expected to start coughing. But, the miracle of miracles, I went down the mine and after several hours of honest perspiration felt better and now it has all passed away without a simple cough. That's how the animals catch colds!
It's a long time since I had a bath, sad to say. The river is still quite warm but does not act well as a cleanser. There are not bathes in the house - the one in teh bathroom is put in use only during the winter. There is a Finnish bath-house where they steam themselves until they are of colours ranging from delicate pink to deep purple. I am told it is very efficient but a beginner ought to "go easy" as it is liable to go hard on the heart.
It is still nice and warm, and i go for long walks regularly. The river is my favourite place. I sit on a rock and watch the sparkling waves roll by, and carve out a stick with my knife, singing "Old Man River" and all the jazz pieces I know, trying to be as melodious as possible!
Well, I must wish now ore I'll be late for my work, which will mean an hour docked and my name on the "doubtful books".
I surely hope that by the time this letter reaches you, you will be feeling fine. Please give my best to Auntie Lydia, and a "condescending knod" to Ben.
Yours Lovingly
Guigui
No comments:
Post a Comment