COUSINS’ CORRESPONDENCE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXII, Issue XXIII, 4 June 1904, Page 59

COUSINS’ CORRESPONDENCE.

Dear Cousin Kate, —I have just been reading the cousins’ letters, and I think some of them are. very interesting. Cousins Roie, Ethel, and Alison write very nice letters. I should very much like to see Auckland: it must be a very pretty place. My mother and father live in Raetihi, about seventeen miles from Pipiriki. I have never been there yet, but I have been to Feilding. My brother Alfred used to work in Eltliam. He said it was a very pretty place, and sent me a lot of ferns from Taranaki. I am getting a collection of ferns to send to England. I have just finished reading a book called “The Woman in White.” Have you ever read it, dear Cousin Kate? I have also read “Hilda” and “The Old Helmet.” They are all very good books. We are having lovely weather here now. Last week it rained terribly hard for two or three days. Well, I think this is all the news this lime, so I must say “Au revoir.”—l remain, Cousin Winifred, O'Kain’s Bay, Banks Peninsula.

[Dear Cousin Winifred,—There were some very nice letters in last week's “Graphic,” were there not? I wish we could have letters from England and South Africa every week, but of course we can’t, so we must make the most of them when they do come, Auckland certainly is a lovely place, and I wish you eould see it. Did you see the photograph in the “Graphic” of the harbour by moonlight? It was lovely, I thought. I have never been to Feilding, but have driven through Ellham. It is a long while ago, though, and I expect 1 shouldn't know’ it how. I have read “The Woman in White,” but. not the other two. Who are they by? Well, Winifred, I am rather busy this morning, so must not write any more just now.—Cousin Kate.] i ♦ •4* ■>

Dear Cousin Kate, —It is a pretty good while since I have written to you, so I will start now. We had our photos taken on Saturday morning. 1 hope they will turn out well, don’t you. Cousin Kate? It is school again to-morrow, and it is our exam, on the Cth of .June. I hope I shall pass, as I would not like to fail at all. 1 am still longing for the “Country Girl” to come, but I don't suppose it will be long now. The Re-muera-road is frightful, and so is West-bourne-road. They are levelling it. but I suppose it will look nice when it is finished. 1 have not seen your photo, in the “Graphic” yet. and am getting quite impatient. I had given me some of that very pretty’ red leaf to-day, and some violets. I am going to press them. I have some of the red leaf pressed in my schoolbook already; my’ sister Nora gave it me. I will send you a leaf of it. Nora is singing “Daddy.” I think it is so pretty, don’t you, Cousin Kate? There is another very pretty song. “May Morning.” Have you heard it? What nice days we are having now, don’t you think so? I will say good-bye now’, as I have not much to say, so with love to the cousins and not forgetting your dear self, I re-

main, your loving cousin Amy S., Auck land.j

[Dear Cousin Amy,—lt is a good while since you wrote to me last, isn't it? but “Better late than never.” I was so pleased to hear that you had had your photographs taken, and I do hope they will be good. You will send one to me, won’t you? Your examination is coming very close now, but you arc sure to pass if you try hard. What standard are you in now? I think everyone is anxiously looking forward to “The Country Girl?’ You won’t have long to wait now, as it starts on Saturday. Have you seen the advertisements in some of the shop windows in town? They are awfully good. I think; but if the Country Girl isn't prettier than that she can’t be much to look at. I haven’t been to Remuera lately, but I heard the roads were dreadful. Wouldn’t'it be nice if they paved them like Queenstreet? Thank you very much for the leaves; they are very pretty. —Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate, —I will just write you a few lines. Have you been to see Mel. B. Spun ? Nora went, and enjoyed herself very much indeed. Nora is just nineteen. The Remuera-road 'is in a frightful slate. Have you been out lately? I will be glad when the trams come out. It will be very handy. Do you like canaries, Cousin Kate? Father is going to get one for me. I had one, and it died. It was a love. Father took Amy and myself for a walk out to Epsom to-day. We saw some lovely flowers. I love flowers, don’t you? What flower do you like best. Cousin Kate? My favourite flower is the fresia: it has a magnificent scent. I love violets and roses, don’t you? I don't care much for pansies, do you? What a number of cousins we are getting now. I love reading the letters. 1 am longing to see your photograph. I hope it will be in next week's “Graphic.” I must tell you who my friend is at school. Her name is Millie Devitt. I sit with her. I like Millie very much. We have always sat together at school. I am trying to persuade her to write to you. Now, dear Cousin Kate, I have told you all the news, which is not very much.—With love to yourself and all the cousins. I am, your loving cousin Mary S., Auckland.

[Dear Cousin Mary,—l'm afraid I shall only be able to write you a very short note to-day, as I am very busy. Yes, I went to see Mel. B. Spun - one day, and enjoyed myself immensely. I should like to have gone again, but 1 have never had time. He is very elever, and so funny too. I expect you will be glad when the trams are running out your way. 1 haven’t been out to Remuera lately, but I can quite imagine what the roads are like. I am not very fond of canaries. I like to hear them sing, as long as they are not too close to me. I am very fond of flowers, but I don’t like gardening at all. Violets and roses are my favourites, I think. Do you like the scent of fresias? It is too strong and headachey for me. I wish your chum Millie would write to me".—Cousin Kate.] ■ieY ■■ ♦ ♦ ♦

Dear Cousin Kate, —Will yon accept me as one of your cousins, as 1 have often read the cousins’ letters and wanted to be one? I am seven years old,

and am staying in Parnell, and go to Miss Hull’s school, and I like it very much. I live in Rotorua, but I have come to Auckland to go to school. 1 have two such pretty pet cats, and two eows and a horse. Please, dear Cousin Kate, will you send me a badge?—With love to all the cousins and yourself, from Cousin Carrie.

[Dear Cousin Carrie, —I am so glad you have written to me at last; 1 have been expecting a letter from you for quite a long time. I shall be very pleased indeed to have you for one of my little cousins. Miss Hull's school is very nice, isn't it? 1 have another cousin who goes there too. 1 wonder if you know her? You haven’t very far to go, either; but you have two horrid hills to walk up and down to get there. Who will look after your pets for you while you are in Auckland? Next time you write you must tell me more about them and what their names are. Well, Carrie, I must stop now. 1 will post a badge to you to-day.—Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate, —I am afraid that this letter will be very short, as 1 am going over to the Shore. I am sure that you will enjoy yourself over there. 1 think that it would be so nice to come over in the boat each day. What a nice long letter Cousin Alison wrote. I think that South Africa would be a very interesting place to live in. but 1 don’t think that I should like to live there. Connie is four years old. and she is such a dear little thing. Gladys has had the mumps, and, of course, she is home from school. She is coming in to-morrow to stay until Saturday. 1 don't think I will get them, because she. has been better several days. I must close ibis short letter, and I will try and write you a longer one next week.—Cousin Lyndal, Auckland.

[Dear Cousin Lyndal.—You arc a very lucky little girl; you always seem to be paying visits to the Shore or to Epsom. Did you have a fine day for your last trip to the Shore? I am enjoying myself very much over there, and we have been fortunate in having such line weather; we have never got eaught in a heavy shower yet. Yesterday we went across the harbour in a little steamlaundh, and it was terribly rough. If we had been out a little longer I’m afraid I should have been ill. Alison's letter was a lovely long one, wasn’t, it? I don't think I should like to live in South Africa, but I would like to see it. I hope you won’t catch the mumps from Gladys; they are dreadfully infectious, you know, but if she has been better for several days I don’t suppose you will cateh them.—Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate, —Last Monday was my birthday, and I received a great many useful and beautiful presents; one of them was a very ancient book called “The Belle Assemble*,” published in 1850; it has some exquisite steelplate engravings; it also has numerous pictures of ladies dressed in crinolines. Have you seen any of the old-fashioned dresses? If you have, do you not think the styles now are a great improvement ? •Inst fancy, if ladies wore crinolines now, ami tried to get into our tram-ears, would it not be great fun to watch them? Papa got my book from England with a great many new ones for our library, and I am going to read some of them as soon as I have read my present. Last Sunday a friend and my-

self went to see the parade, and when it was over wc went for such a splendid walk. 1 think it was the longest that 1 have ever l>ecn. We went round Government House, down a small street, up Grafton-road, and then made for Khyber Pa ss. We then came back to Khyber Pass-road and walked a very long way to Symonds-street,caught a Mt. Eden tram, and rode to Mt. Eden we thought, but when the tram stopped we looked round for a while, but found that it was a good walk before we reached the mountain, so as I was not used to long walks, 1 decided that it would be a good plan to retrace our way home; we waited a good while, it must have been about ten minutes, but you know that when you are tired two minutes is a long while to wait; we had gone but a little distance when we heard the noise "of a tram-car, so we walked as quickly as we were able fo the nearest stopping place (1 did not even notice what street we caught it at), and just caught it, to our relief. I really think we will not walk up again, but take a. tram up and walk back. I think that we are going to Onehunga next Sunday. I do think it nice to be able to go for good rides on Sundays. Now, dear Cousin Kate, I must say good bye, with best love to all. from Cousin Mabel. P.S,—Excuse anv blunders.

[Dear Cousin Mabel, —l't is a long time since you wrote to me last, but 1 expect you are too busy to write often, aren't you? It is rather late for me to wish you many happy returns of your birthday, but "better late than never,” don't you think? 1 have seen quantities of pictures of ladies in old-fash-ioned dresses, and I quite agree with you that, the present fashions are very, 'much prettier. If people wore crinolines now they would have to walk, for they certainly couldn't get into the tram-cars. The parade was very good, 1 heard. I wasn’t able to go, but Ivy told me she was there, and that there were crowds of people there. You did have a long walk, and a very romantic one, too. Walking is so good for you. People say that, girls should walk three miles at least a day. I am very fond of walking when 1 have some one nice to talk to.—Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate, —? kope you vrlli accept me as «ne of your band of cousins. I am ten years old, and I am in Standard V., and I attend the Sacred Heart College. We had n test examination about thr-ec weeks ago, and I won by four marks. My worst subjects were writing and French, and my best were Latin and book keeping. We get the “Graphic” every Tuesday night and the “Weekly News” on Wednesday, and for my part I prefer the “Graphic.” If you would semi me a badge I would be very pleased. With love to you and all the. other cousins, I remain, your affectionate Cousin Daniel.

[Dear Cousin Daniel, —Of course I shall be delighted to welcome you as one of our band of cousins. I have a great number of girl cousins, but only a very few boys; so 1 am extra pleased when I get a letter from a new one. 1 am glad you were so successful in your examination. but it was a very near thing to don’t think I know the Saered Heart. Coldon’t think know the Sacred Heart College- Where abouts is it? I will semi yon a badge to-day if 1 have time, but 1 have ever so many letters to write, and that is why I am writing you such a short answer. Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate. —I am now taking advantage of slack time during oilice hours to write you a few lines. I am afraid yon do not find me a very regular correspondent, but 1 guess 1 am getting rather old to be included in your list of cousins—lß years of age. However, I still take a great interest in the Children's Page, and shall always remember the many pleasant hours I have spent in reading its columns. I went in for such a lot of swimming last summer, and did not leave oil' till the end of April. I was very sorry when the weather became too cold, but nm looking forward to start again next year. I note that you get some very interesting letters from a cousin at Home occasionally, and I am sure that they arc appreciated by all readers. I have been having some lovely motor-car rides lately, and have been driven home in

Boe two or three times. They are wot always reliable, though- One evening it broke down in Sliortland-street, and had to be taken down to the engineer's for repairs. I had to ride home in an electric car after all. I am sending you another story for publication in the Children’s Page, which I hope will prove suitable. With love and kind remembrances. I remain, yours sincerely, Cousin Violet.

[Dear Cousin Violet, —T was exceedingly pleased to hear from you again, and hope you will continue to write now and then when you have time to spare. Quite a number of cousins have grown up since I took charge of Cousin Kate’s pages, but several of them send occasional Tetters, and I am always glad to have them. Perhaps we might start a column for “Letters from the Elder Cousins.” What do you think? I am sure it would be interesting. Many thanks for your story. Which is excellent, and which I shall print the week after next. I am seriously of the opinion you should try your hand at story-telling for children with one of the English magazines. “Little Folks'* or “The Hoys’ Own Paper” would. I believe, take your stories. Why don't you try? Thanking you again. Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate,—l did not write to you yesterday morning as I was so busy. I first of all went over to Poneonby and back in the cars, and then had a rehearsal until lunch. I went to hear Spurr the lirst night he played here, and thought him splendid. Did you go. Cousin Kate? This afternoon I ani going to an afternoon lea. and everyone has to take something worth a penny—l am taking a pennyworth of potatoes. Saturday evening I am going to see “The Country Girl;” I hear it is lovely. I am sorry to say that next Monday is the last of our holidays. I saw by yesterday’s “Graphic” that one of the cousins has tried my toffee. Have you done so yet, Cousin Kate? I have got such a lovely book called “Famous Artists,” by Bolton. It is all about the lives of the great artists. Here is a riddle for you, Cousin Kate: “What is book-keep-ing?” Answer: Not returning borrowed books. Now. dear Cousin Kate. I must close this short note, as my news has run short- With best love to you and all the cousins. I remain, yours sincerely, Cousin G wen.

[Dear Cousin Gwen,—l got your letter this morning, and am aide to put it in this week’s Graphic,” because I was so busy yesterday that I did not have time to answer any cousins' letters; so they have let me give them in a day later than usual. How are your rehearsals getting on? You never told me ■when the performance was coming off'. Yes, I went to Mel. Spurr, but not the first night. He is splendid, I think. A pennyworth of potatoes won’t be too heavy for you to carry, will it? I am very anxious to see “The Country Girl,” hut I’m afraid I won’t, get there the first night, .because wo never thought of reserving seats until too late: so we will have to go next week instead. I tried your toffee, and liked it very much. Do you ever put almonds or anything like that in yours? Thank you for the riddle; it is very good, and applies to a great many so-called book-borrowers, doesn’t it? Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate,—How lucky you are to have escaped those horrid colds which have been going about so much lately. A alerie is the only one in our house that has not had one yet. but Desmond was home nearly all last week with one. Yes, I thought “I’ncle Tom’s Cabin” very good. What a pity you could not have gone. Of course, t would much rather have seen the play. (Valerie and I went to the other matinee last Saturday, bnt T did not care for it much. The part I liked best was the eong, “The Telephone,” which was sung by a gentleman. It is awfully sad. especially when you sec the pictures with it. Do you know it? Fancy having another Cousin Muriel! It is a good thing site docs not live in Auckland, as there might be some confusion. All the same, it is very nice having a cousin writing from Wanganui, isn’t it? 1 was rather sorry Carlo did not write a longer letter, as I think his are usually so inteiesting. I have not seen either of his comic cuts. In my letter last week

I said I could only count 23 cousins, but 1 think 1 could count a great many more now. We do seem to be ing a lot of new ones, don’t we? Fancy,. Cousin Kate, only a fortnight, more amt we have our examination. 1 think this, year has gone awfully quickly. Cousin Kate, do you think Cousin Olive would like to correspond with me? If she would, it must only be in ordinary handwriting, as 1 don’t write shorthand. I suppose you answer all the cousins’ letters in shorthand, don’t you? It would lake too long in long-hand. Wilma was in our place nearly all last Sunday, and did not want to go home when evening came. .She does love playing with Valerie. What did you think of that picture of Auckland Harbour by moonlight in last week’s “Graphic,” I thought it was lovely. Doesn’t it make a lovely picture? Now, dear Cousin Kate, I must conclude. 1 know it is not correct to finish a letter so near the top of a fresh .sheet, but 1 really have no more news. You will exeuse me this time, won’t you? —Cousin Muriel J., Auckland.

| Dear Cousin Muriel. —I think I spoke too soon about escaping those horrid colds, for I’m very much afraid I’m getting one now. It will be a shame if I do, won’t it? because I have escaped so long. No, I don’t know “The Telephone.” 1 don't think I have even heard of it before. We certainly are getting a great many more new eousins; there are three more week. I am sorry Carle has not written lately. I expect lie has been too busy. Are you getting nervous now that your exams. :tre coming so dose? The year does seem to have passed very quickly, but I think it always does when one’s time is fully occupied. I am sure Cousin Olive would like to correspond with you very much, and I will ask her about it next time she writes to me. I don’t think Olive writes shorthand. 'Winnie, her elder sister, does. I thought that photograph of Auckland Harbour by moonlight was simply loveßr, and it was beautifully taken too.—Cousin Kate.] * * * Dear Cousin Kate, —I went with my sister to a peninsula this afternoon. It is the first time I have been there, although we have been here a year now. I have always had a cold or bronchitis when anyone happened to go. The peninsula is a very pretty place; in one place there is a pretty path with branches joining over our heads. There is a sand beach there too, and a lot of coarse maidenhair fern. My sister once tried to grow it, but it died. We were given five teal to-day; they are very nice eating I think; have you ever tasted them? What a naughty little boy Buster Brown was in the “Graphic.” I have a very few flowers in my garden now; they are mostly chrysanthemums. I have red and yellow ones. We have been playing at rounders lately, but neither side got many runs. I read a book the other day called “Glengarry Days.” I liked it very much. Good-bye.—From Cousin Jenny. [Dear Cousin Jenny.—-Isn't it a funny thing that when one lives close to a place well worth seeing the trip always gets put off? And yet strangers who are only going to be there for quite a short time see everything. You never mentioned the name ot the peninsula you went to. Do you have many colds? Bronchitis, I know, is a horrible thing to have, and people who live close to the sea seem to have it much oftener than others. I have often tried to grow that coarse maidenhair fern, but, have never succeeded with it yet. though I know a great many people who find it no trouble at all. No, T have never tasted teal, but I should think they would be very niee. though they must be a dreadful nuisance to get ready for the table, they are so small. Do you like the adventures of Buster Brown?—Cousin Kate.] ♦ -S ♦ Dear Cousin Kate,—l am writing a few lines to tell you what I did in the holidays. Father has got me the muff; it is such a lovely one; and I am getting n nice fur. A lady friend came on Tuesday, and dressed my doll. She made a blouse and skirt, and made a little Dutch bonnet with lace and violets, and a little cape with lace and violets, ami it has a sweet little muff with lace and vio-

lets in it too. We changed the doll’s name to Mavis, because the. name Marguerite didn’t suit the violets. A gentleman friend took me a nice drive round Fendalton and home by Hagley Park on Saturday; it was such a lovely day. On Wednesday mother took me to the flower show to see the chrysanthemums. Have you read “Betty and Co.,** “Miss Bobbie” and “The Adventures of Her Baby”? I have read them all. I think I like the last the best. Cousin Desmond’s photo in the “Graphic” I like very mueh; he does look so jolly. Frida and Ethel look such nice little girls, too. I must close now with much love to al! the cousins and your dear little self.— From Cousin* Doreen.

[Dear Consin Doreen, —I am so glad you have got such a nice muff, and wlten you have a fur to match you will be a great swell, won’t you? Do you think you could have your photograph taken in them and send me one? I should like one of you and Cecil very much indeed. Is it very eold in Christchurch yet? We have hardly had any cold weather so far, and I am beginning to think I siia’n’t need my muff and fur at all. I think I like the name Mavis better than Marguerite; it is more uncommon. She must look very pretty in all her new winter clothes. Mavis means a thrush, doesn’t it? It must be very nice to have such kind friends as you have. Very few little girls have friends who will make dolls’ clothes for them and take them out for nice long drives. Did you enjoy the Chrysanthemum Show? Ours are all over now. I have read “Miss Bobbie” and “Betty anil C 0.,” but not ‘"The Adventures of Her Baby.” Is that by Ethel Turner too? Desmond’s photograph was very good, I think, especially as it was taken by an amateur. —Cousin Kate.] ♦ * ♦ Dear Cousin Kale, —Would you accept me as a cousin? I take a great interest in the Cousins’ Page, as I like reading very much. Mother says I am spoiling my eyesight with reading, but I can’t help it while there are so many nice books in the library. I believe my letter will be too late for this week, but I shall be satisfied if it is in time for next. We do not get the “Graphic” here till Saturday night. Do you like music, Cousin Kate? I do. I am taking piano lessons, and my teacher brought me a new piece last Thursday called ‘•’Her Bright Smile.” I have enclosed an envelope for a badge, if you would be so kind as to send one. We are having very dry weather down here, and the tanks are pretty low. I must stop thia short note now, with love to yourself and the cousins. From Cousin Mvrtle.

[Dear Cousin Myrtle.—Of course I shall be delighted to welcome you as a cousin, and I will post a badge to you. to-day. You are the first Cousin Myrtle I have had, and I think if is such a pretty name, much prettier than Kate, don’t you think so? I, like you, am very fond of reading, but I don’t have very much, time now. It is a good thing, I think, because my eyes are not nearly so good as they used to be. Don’t try them too much, because, though you may not feel them now, you will when you are older. I am very fend of music indee.d, but I don’t play the piano very much; I like singing better. Did you go to see the ‘•Country Gill” when it was played iit Christchurch? They open here on Saturday, and everyone is looking forward to it so much. Some of the photographs of the company are splendid, and look as if it would be v.ry amusing. We are having lovely weather here just now, too. but I don’t think we shall run out of water. What wilt you do when your tanks are dry? I hope you will like the badge.—Cousin Kate.] * * * Dear Consin Kate, —I have often wished to become one of your cousins, so 1 hope you will accept me as one. We get the “Graphic'* every week, so. of course, I always read the Cousins’ letters, which I take a great interest in doing. I come from Auckland, so, of course. I know what a pretty place it is. I went up there for a holiday at Christmas for six weeks, during which I had a splendid time. I had not been up for five years, and I hardly knew the place, it had gone ahead so much. Those are splendid Jungle Jinks about Buster Brown—in fact, every week the Jungle

Jinks are very amusing. Judging by the letters written the other week by the eousins they nearly all seemed to havo had that dreaded iaAuenza. I am glad to say I have not yet had it, and hope I never will. lam glaif to see some of the cousins Irnve started to put their photos, in the “Graphic;” and 1 think it is a very good idea if ft is continued by the rest of the cousins. I am longing to see your photo, as mueh as your regular correspondents are. I may as well tell you that I am 13, and am in the Seventh Standard. At school we have a tennis court, on which the Sixth and Seventh Standards only are allowed to play. I think it is a very interesting game, and so easily learnt. Cousin Roie wrote a very interesting letter the other week, although she said it was not; I quite enjoyed reading it. Now, dear Cbusin Kate, I must close my letter, hoping you will send me a badge. I remain, your loving cousin, Lena.

[Dear Cousin Lena, —I shall be very glad indeed fb add you to our band of eousins. You are the second new cousin I have had a letter from tins morning, and, strangely enough, you are the only Cousins Myrtle and Lena. I am glad you take an interest in the Cousins’ letters, and I hope you will often be able to read your own letters in the Cousins’ Page. Isn’t that a nice way of saying I hope you will be a regular correspondent? I expect you would find it difficult to believe that Auckland is the same place as it was five years ago? The electrie trams have made such a difference, and such numbers of new buildings have gone up since then. What a pity you did not belong to the “Graphic” Cousins* when you were here for your holidays.? I should have liked to see you so much. I want to know what all my cousins are like, so you must send me a photograph of yourself if you have one. Tennis i» a very interesting game, and easily learnt up to a certain point; but if one wants to play really well it takes a lot of practice. It is very nice for you to have a court at school. Cousin Roie’s letter was a very niee one. wasn't it? I like reading about other countries so much.—Cousin Kate.] •fr ♦ « Dear Cousin Kate, —I have started again, and hope to write a little more regularly. I have just got over influenza, which is so prevalent in the town just now- Have you had it yet? I shall missa great many matinees this year, as I am learning dancing, and the classes are on Saturday afternoon. Do you like dancing. Cousin Kate? I love it; it is very healthy and good for one, I think. I went to the Government House grounds to-day to hear the bands play, and to see the parade. There was a very big crowd there, and photos, were being taken of the people as they were watching it. Did you go? When are you going to put your photo, in the “Graphic,” dear Cousin Kate? I want to see if you are a grown-up or not. What a lot of cousins we are getting, aren’t we? You. will soon have to occupy another page for their letters. Isn’t it strange that ray mother and late brother have their birthdays on the same day (that is tomorrow, May 23), and, then my other brother’s is on the same day as the lata Queen’s. I must now close, hoping you and all the cousins are well. From Cousin Imet. I’.S—To distinguish my name from the other Ivy, I’ll put Imet. Dear Cousin Ivy,—l am very glad you have started writing again, and hope yon will keep it up. I don’t think there is any necessity for you to change your name just now, though, as the other Cousin Ivy has not written for a very long time, and seems to have forgotten all about us. . I hope you are quite well after your attack of influenza. It fs a horrid thing to have, isn’t it? Do you think you will like your dancing lessons better than going to the matinees? I suppose you are going to learn from Mrs. Boult? lam very fond of dancing, though sometimes I have a little too much of it. I didn’t go to the parade on Sunday, but I saw numbers' of people coming away from there. Was the music good? I don’t know when I shall put my photograph in the “Graphic.” They are not finished yet; but I am grown up. What made you think I wasn’t? It is a pity when so many birthdays come at the same time. I like mine to be ft long way from anyone rise’s, don’t you?—Cousin Kate]