Dear Enemy

You ought to be thankful you've got Jervis. There is something awfully

certain about a man like him. The longer I live, the surer I am that

character is the only thing that counts. But how on earth can you ever

tell? Men are so good at talking! Good-by, and a merry Christmas to

Jervis and both Judies.

S. McB.

P.S. It would be a pleasant attention if you would answer my letters a

little more promptly.

JOHN GRIER HOME,

December 29.

Dear Judy:

Sadie Kate has spent the week composing a Christmas letter to you,

and it leaves nothing for me to tell. Oh, we've had a wonderful time!

Besides all the presents and games and fancy things to eat, we have had

hayrides and skating parties and candy pulls. I don't know whether

these pampered little orphans will ever settle down again into normal

children.

Many thanks for my six gifts. I like them all, particularly the picture

of Judy, junior; the tooth adds a pleasant touch to her smile.

You'll be glad to hear that I've placed out Hattie Heaphy in a

minister's family, and a dear family they are. They never blinked an

eyelash when I told them about the communion cup. They've given her

to themselves for a Christmas present, and she went off so happily,

clinging to her new father's hand!

I won't write more now, because fifty children are writing thank-you

letters, and poor Aunt Judy will be buried beneath her mail when this

week's steamer gets in.

My love to the Pendletons.

S. McB.

P.S. Singapore ends his love to Togo, and is sorry he bit him on the

ear.

JOHN GRIER HOME,

December 30.

O DEAR, Gordon, I have been reading the most upsetting book!

I tried to talk some French the other day, and not making out very well,

decided that I had better take my French in hand if I didn't want to

lose it entirely. That Scotch doctor of ours has mercifully abandoned

my scientific education, so I have a little time at my own disposal. By

some unlucky chance I began with "Numa Roumestan," by Daudet. It is

a terribly disturbing book for a girl to read who is engaged to a

politician. Read it, Gordon dear, and assiduously train your character

away from Numa's. It's the story of a politician who is disquietingly

fascinating (like you). Who is adored by all who know him (like you).

Who has a most persuasive way of talking and makes wonderful speeches

(again like you). He is worshiped by everybody, and they all say to

his wife, "What a happy life you must lead, knowing so intimately that

wonderful man!"