It is like sweet port. But on account of the poem and its being
vin du pays I got it.

Dear Mother, I wish you were here now and enjoying all these beautiful
things. I got you a present in Cairo that will amuse you. Had I
stayed on in Cairo I should have had much and many marks of distinction
from the English. Lady Gower-Browne, who found out from them that I
had called and that they had done nothing except to be rude, raised a
great hue and cry and everything changed. What she said of me I don't
know but it made a most amusing difference. General Walker galloped a
half mile across the desert to give me his own copy of the directions
for the sham battle, and I was to have met Cromer at dinner
tete-a-tete, and General Kitchener sent apologies by two other generals
and all the subalterns called on me in a body. That was the day before
I left. I don't know what Lady Gower-Browne said, but it made a change
which I am sorry I could not avail myself of as I want politics as well
as memories.

The next time I come I shall go to even fewer places and see more
people.

If the Harpers don't look out our interests will clash. I look at it
like this. I can always see the old historical things and take my
children up the Nile, but I want now to make friends with the Mammon of
unrighteousness and the men of the hour. I may want to occupy an hour
or two myself some day and they can help me. If America starts in
annexing islands she will need people to tell her how it is generally
done and it is generally done, I find, by the English. I may give up
literature and start annexing things like Alexander and Caesar and
Napoleon. They say there will be another crisis in Cairo in a month or
so. If that be true I am all right and solid with both parties. But
it has got to be worth while of course or I won't go back. There is a
king living in a fine palace across the square from my window, one of
his officers is now changing the guard in the rain. I hope to call on
the king because I like his guard. They wear petticoats and toes
turned up in front. Don't you mind what I say about liking politics
and don't think I am not enjoying the show things. I have a capacity
for both that is so far unsatisfied, and I am now going out in the rain
to try and find the post-office. Lots of love.

DICK.

I am well and have been well (except sea sick) since February

P. S.--A funeral is j