ust
to think and think and imagine things to interest me through the dreary
time. What strange fantasies I have brought up in my life! You know
some of them, and it is quite true as you wrote in your last that
translation from Hawthorne, "His caprices had their origin in a mind
that lacked the support of an engrossing purpose and feelings that
preyed upon themselves for lack of other food."

I try to interest myself in the things about me, but I am a dreamer. I
wonder often what my life will come to in the end, of what use I shall
be. No, it is not good that I should be alone; now, however, since I
have seen the unknown beauty, I will not have to search my mind for
subjects to keep it occupied, for Senorita California is quite a solid
damsel and far from ethereal, and not at all ghostly, only that look
about the eyes when the lids are drooping, and the complexion.

Don't forget my usual token to Benicia and give her the sketches, but
of course no word of the girl; women never understand such things
properly.

B. L. M.

JOAQUIN.

* * * * *

ON THE NICHOLAUS BERG,

22nd October 18--.

DEAR JOSE:

This morning early, I took my walk as usual to the Chapel on the hill;
the day was as fine as the last three have been and I began to feel
better contented with so much Californian weather to help me.

Yesterday I did not think so much of the bridge beauty but today her
strange features have come to me with double vividness, and it was to
escape from this that I took the walk so very early this morning. I
brought my sketch-book with me and expected to pass the whole day on the
hill and in the woods just beyond.

The little, old woman who sweeps away the dry leaves from the steps so
ruthlessly, smiled more than usual when I gave her the customary two
pfennigs. I can never understand how the poor creature wages such a
heartless war against these dying leaves of Autumn; it seems that she
should have a sisterly feeling for them, knowing that she is herself so
near to her own December.

The Stations of the Cross are arranged in little shrines on the many
terraces which adorn the castle side of the hill; it is a pretty
thought, bordering the path to the chapel with these stone pictures,
most of them representing Christ's long,