my dear helen:

i am too stiff and sore from a terrible fall i have had, to write more than one line; but i must let you know that my fright was very silly, and i am very much mortified about it. the house and the things are all safe; your mother has come home; and i will write, and tell you all, just as soon as i can use my pen without great pain.

some new people have come to live in the nelson house; very nice people, i think, for they keep their milk in yellow crockery pans. they have brought with them a splendid black cat whose name is cæsar, and everybody is talking about him. he has the handsomest whiskers i ever saw. i do hope i shall be well enough to see him before long, but i wouldn't have him see me now for any thing.

your affectionate pussy.