COUSINS’ CORRESPONDENCE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIX, Issue XX, 15 November 1902, Page 1271

COUSINS’ CORRESPONDENCE.

Dear Cousin Kate, —I have not written to you lately, because I did not know if we were going to get ■the “Graphic” any more, but I thought I would write and tell you why it is you haven’t ha<l a letter from me. If we do get it, 1 hope you will let me write again. Cousin Kats. I have read some grand books lately; “The Caged Lion,” by Charlotte Vonge, is very good, all about Henry V. of England and James I. of Scotland; “We Two,” by Edna Lyali—it is a beautiful story; Luke Raeburn, the atheist, is a* grand character. “A Corner of the West” is a pretty story, though there is not much in it. I am reading George Eliot’s “Romola” now; I think you told me to a long time ago. There is to be a tableau at the yearly bazaar soon, end it consists mostly of girls, who represent Englands’ posueasions, dressed in a characteristic way of the country they represent;. I am Ireland, and have to wear some shamrocks on a white dress—not forgetting the four-leafed one. I have been promised a canary when the bird brings them out, but a few days ago she scratched out the eggs and broke them, so I was “counting my chickens—rather canaries—before they were hatched.” I hope she will sit again soon; they are supposed to lay three times a year. I have planted some white lilac plarvts, and although this is not the proper time to move them, they are growing, whether they flower, however, is another thing. I love lilac, don’t you. Cousin Kate? Roses are coming out in quantities now; the rose season seems the best part of the year to me, because the flowers are so lovely. The Bishop’s examination comes off on Sunday week, and we are all pleased it is earlier this year, because it was so fearfully hot before. I don’t think it will be the same thing, not having the prizes from Bishop Cowie. I hope you will still let me make something for the Maori girls’ bazaar, even if it is only a scrap-book. A few schoolgirls have given me pictures for it, so I hope it will be a good one. Ido not know how to, send it to yen, though. I have no more to tell you, so will say good-bye, with love, from Cousin Alison.

[Dear Cousin Alison, —I shall be very sorry if you do not continue to write letters, as yours have always had a special interest for me. You are fond of reading, and so am I, so that makes a bond of sympathy. I have a small lilac bush out, and it smells just delicious. I have never seen a white one in New Zealand, but we had lovely ones at Home. Thank you very much for saying you will make a scrap-book. I shall be delighted to have it for the bazaar. Hoping to hear from you soon. Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate, —I feel ashamed of myself for not writing, because I take such a long time. I went to play with my cousins on Sunday, and had such lovely fun. My sister could not write, as she had a bad headache. I must say good-bye, because I must go to bed.—Cousin Alice.

[Dear Cousin Alice.—Thank you very much for your letter, which I was very glad to get. I am sorry

your sister was ill and hope she is all right by this time. Have we not had lovely weather lately?—Cousin Kate.]