Taiho, April 5, 1906
Dear Louese:
Your letter came before Christmas and I have thought to answer it as often but there have been letters that required immediate answers and I do not count as a lady of leisure, so your letter has been put aside till I do not want to do so any longer. Some one else will have to wait. I have had this little bookmark sometime ready to send to you, made by a woman here, hope you will like it although it is such a tiny love token to send.
[Top margin of p 1 of letter: "On bookmark - the Lord protects us."]
Please, you misunderstood my letter, I did not pay extra postage on your letter, but they charged me with it so I sent the letter back to Wuhu. I was explaining the delay in answering to you. Did you pay extra postage or duty on the shoes? Indeed your letters are worth the extra postage but I have never had to pay any on yours. This postage due system we have now takes a good many of the extra pennies and they are not always fair and square is why I sent your letter back.
Yes why do any of us complain? You wish your good husband and dear little family are blessed and I wish such a wonderful Heavenly Father and so many dear good friends to care for me, write to me and pray for me, what more do we want? I would like to see some of the friends sometimes and find the time long, but much of the time I am so interested in my work that I do not have time to be lonely. I am enjoying my work so much lately, as I feel that I am getting into the heart of some of the women. I have been moving in the “upper circles” too and going to the small yamen, The Lady has received me very kindly. She has nothing grand but I have been served with the best they had. Imagine making an afternoon call and having fried eggs on