Tuesday so I went to the dance at Government House. It was a very pleasant party. Mama did not go as she had a bad cold. We did not stay late. Everyone left before two o'clock which was quite late enough. I was surprised to see Mr Swainson from Auckland at the party for I did not hear that he was in Wellington. He had come down a few days before overland. It is strange he had not recognised me. He did not know I was there till Papa told him and he then came and spoke to me. I must be very much changed since I was in Auckland. I suppose I look older. This accounts for you thinking I was a very young girl when you first saw me three years ago. Mrs Stokes told me yesterday that she heard that you would not be back for two or three months. Surely dear you will not be away so long. I would not complain if I heard from you every week as I did before but I cannot help feeling your absence now as