Between Ourselves

Southland Times, Issue 20831, 20 July 1929, Page 22

Between Ourselves

Cousin Graham: You mustn’t be cruel in your writing, my dear. Remember there are a great many people who can be hurt by your references. Cousin Pierrette: Certainly the newlyawakened sun is very distracting, and I am so glad you made the most of it that I can't find it in my heart to scold you for not sending me a poem; but later on, when you have grown more accustomed to the miracle, you must find in it your inspiration, and not your excuse. I hope you have managed to escape those hovering germs, and that all your household is well! Cousin Hazel-Nut: It is very shamefacedly I confess, dear, that I just didn’t quite escape the “fangs” this time. But I beg your indulgence and promise not to let it happen again-—if I can help it 1 Cousin Heatherbells: I was delighted to hear your team had covered itself with so much glory on the hockey field—it will certainly be a great honour if you can manage to retain the cup for always. I was pleased, too, to know that you have persuaded your friend to join the page—that will make the competition keener between you.

Cousin Persephone: It is no wonder you were able to write a realistic story on “Noise,” if as your young sister says, “the duck pond is roaring like Nihagera falls.” On the contrary, my dear, I find your letters delightfully entertaining. Cousin Ruth: Fancy the snow drifts being over your head —I’m glad you managed to get out of them again! I’m glad, too, you’ve decided not to go with Mr Kingsford Smith in case he lands in the sea —you could hardly call that “landing,” eh! Cousin Miriana: I’m glad you have recovered from the flu, dear, and that you’re enjoying the sports' matches so much. You must be a very consistent player, and what lots of nice trips you have through the games. Yes, the brooches were very much admired, I can tell you. Cousin Moonshine: I am so glad you are very much in favour of the new idea—l hope the others will feel like you about it. You must be kept very busy. Cousin Iona: I have noted your admirable record with marked favour, little Cousin, and have noted, too, the general improvement in your composition, although of course “no” and “knew” should never be confused! The reason why your two letters were overlooked last week was because I had opened them as soon as they arrived and put them in the drawer with my private correspondence; not through neglect, as you sec. I’m glad you are finding time in your busy life to fit in some tramps—that is good—and how is basket ball this year ? Cousin Desert Rose: I’m afraid that if you went up to see nie on Tuesday afternoon you would learn my dreaded secret, which pains me very much. But I’ll look forward to a visit from you one day soon. I was interested in your choice of readinghave you read Owen Wister’s “The Virginian?" I think you’d like it. Cousin Noeline: I’m glad you are all better again, dear; did the whole family have ’flu at once ? I hope you were a model little daughter and waited until the others were better before you caught it! I'iVl surprised to know about the new book at school already. You'll soon be up on that big brother of yours. Cousin Joyce: Thank you for the little poem, dear, which I shall try to use later on. I’m sorry you had the ‘flu at the time of the bazaar, but glad that you’ve now got it over. When are you coming up to see me again ? Cousin Yellow Chicken: I’m afraid I made my sweeping statement to you just a little too soon last week, as I’ve had to retract my words very much since. I was sorry to hear about Hilda —is she quite strong again now? The trouble with kittens is that they soon grow into cats, don’t they? Cousin Hyacinth: I forgive the dots after seeing the context, dear, and certainly your justification of them is sound. What do you do with yourself these days? I suppose there are always lots of things to keep you busy. Cousin Honey Sweet: I am glad you have started to write to me again dear, and I hope that this time, as your letter suggests, you will write regularly. How are you getting on at school? Cousin Robbie: Your letter was a pleasant surprise, dear, which I hope will be often repeated. I am so glad you are going to take part in this year’s plays. I think you are very lucky to have such a nice new home.

Cousin Mavora: I, too, was very sorry that the weather kept you from being present at the bazaar, dear; but under the circumstances it would have been impossible for you to come in, I know. I am glad your mates are Little Southlanders, too, and that you like the page so much.

Cousin Clara Bow: Thank you for the jokes, dear; but in future will you sign your name under each one—that will save me a lot of time.

Cousin Rex: I am very sorry I was unable to sec you cn Wednesday night, and I hope my message reached you safely. Perhaps we will discuss that matter next week. Cousin Columbine: I do hope your mother is better again now, dear, and that you are going to continue to escape the ’flu. Yes, I think there will be play rehearsals on Friday evenings. Cousin Winsome: “I’m sorry your competition work for last week arrived too late, dear, because it was an artistic effort which would undoubtedly have won a prize. Cousin Mul-keep-mo: I was very interested in your letter, dear, and very pleased to welcome you to our page. You are quite right—one never knows what one can do until one tries.

Cousin Skylark: I am glad you are better again, dear, and thinking of coming to sec me. I hope the dose of ’flu was not the result of the bazaar. Do you think it was? I think this bad weather has stopped lots of hens from laying. Cousin Primrose: I was very interested in the patchwork quilt, dear. Do you cut the patches to any size at all—and how do you join them together? I hope you have fine weather for your visit home. Cousin Lily of the Valley: It was nice to hear from you again, dear, because now I know you are really quite well again. I do hope that you actually will come to see me this time.

Cousin Lady Nan: Let me be the judge of whether letters are “unnewsy” or not, dear. I am always glad to receive them. I was glad to hear you are all well at home.